ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — "It was started back in the '70s to investigate, if you will, the mob and things like that, and maybe their infiltration and organized crime here in this community," Bernalillo District Attorney Sam Bregman said.
He added that the inception of this commission has been nothing short of pivotal for New Mexico. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham revitalized the commission three years ago. Bregman says a lot has been done up to this point, but he also said, "We've only scratched at the surface of what I think we can accomplish."
Bregman has become the chairman of the commission since it came back. Commissioners include BCSO Sheriff John Allen, DPS Secretary Jason Bowie and others. He said last year, the commission worked with many agencies to rescue more than 200 migrants from being human trafficked and identify fentanyl trafficking routes in New Mexico.
In a news release, Lujan Grisham said, "Criminal organizations have infiltrated our communities, but with the right strategy and appropriate resources, we can continue to disrupt their operations and make New Mexico safer for all."
Bregman also hopes to get some serious work done with lawmakers during the legislative session starting later this month.
"I want to see us change the human trafficking law up in Santa Fe this upcoming session," Bregman said. "That's extremely important."
With the Legislature beginning its work in less than two weeks, Bregman and Lujan Grisham would like to see some major investments in the operations the commission takes charge of. Right now, the commission has a $300,000 budget, funded by Bregman's office. It's now asking the state for 15 times that amount: $4.5 million
"We recognize that there's so much work to be done that we would like to get the $4.5 million to add 10 more special agents," Bregman said.