Throughout 2025, residents of Las Cruces followed several major local developments that shaped their community, ranging from public security matters to political changes.
Young Park Shooting Leaves Three Dead
In March 2025, a violent incident at Young Park resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries. Four teenagers—Nathan Rivas, Josiah Ontiveros, Gustavo Dominguez, and Tomas Rivas—were charged with first-degree murder following the shooting that occurred during an unauthorized car gathering. According to court documents, the confrontation began as a dispute before escalating into gunfire that claimed the lives of Andrew Madrid (16), Dominick Estrada (18), and Jason Gomez (17).
Law enforcement recovered numerous firearms and approximately 40-60 shell casings from four different handguns at the scene. Fifteen additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
Following the tragedy, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story emphasized the need for stronger measures against youth violence involving firearms. "We have to come together to find solutions and ensure accountability for violent juvenile crime," Story stated in March 2025.
National Politics Affect New Mexico
Donald Trump's second presidential term, beginning January 20, brought significant policy changes that impacted New Mexico communities. Local residents organized "No Kings" protests in June and October to voice opposition to administration policies affecting immigration, tariffs, public lands, and federal employment.
The Trump administration's government efficiency initiatives led by Elon Musk resulted in federal workforce reductions, causing furloughs for hundreds of New Mexico employees. Business owners expressed concern over increased costs due to new tariffs, while conservation advocates criticized plans to open protected lands like Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument to development.
Trump's Stargate Project facilitated Project Jupiter, a major data center development in Doña Ana County approved through a $165 billion industrial revenue bond. Meanwhile, international students at New Mexico State University faced visa uncertainties under tightened immigration policies.
Police Accountability Cases Proceed
The year saw continued legal proceedings involving officer-involved shootings. Former officer Brad Lunsford sought to overturn his February conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of Presley C. Eze Jr., with District Judge James Foy granting motions for a new trial.
In October, former officer Felipe Hernandez was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the 2023 death of Teresa Gomez, whose family received a $20 million settlement from the city in 2024.
Throughout 2025, Las Cruces police were involved in four civilian shooting incidents, two of which proved fatal. The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force continued investigations, with independent contractor OIR Group reporting in February that the department was conducting thorough and fair misconduct inquiries.
Judicial Scandal Unfolds
Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose "Joel" Cano faced permanent disqualification from public office after allegations emerged that he and his wife assisted a suspect connected to Venezuelan drug operations. The New Mexico Supreme Court issued the ban in April following Cano's March resignation.
Authorities arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez at the Cano residence in March, charging him with illegal firearm possession. Ortega-Lopez pleaded guilty in October, while the Canos face evidence tampering charges with no trial date yet scheduled.
Legislative Response to Violence
Following the Young Park shooting, lawmakers expressed frustration at the legislature's inability to pass comprehensive crime reform. Senator Crystal Brantley described the inaction as a missed opportunity to enhance public protection.
Although Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized New Mexico National Guard assistance for Albuquerque to address fentanyl and youth crime concerns, Las Cruces did not receive similar deployments. Police Chief Story noted the city's crime levels didn't warrant such measures.
Statistics indicated firearms involvement in numerous youth arrests, with legislative focus shifting to the 2026 session for budgetary and policy considerations.
