ALBUQUERQUE - The Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Steve Pearce, issued a statement following comments made by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. During the Thursday segment, she stated that she would not assist President Trump in carrying out mass deportations and claimed that she thinks it would be “unlawful.”

“What is unlawful is New Mexico has become one of the most dangerous states in the nation, and the reason is that Democrats like Governor Lujan Grisham continue to shield criminals from any consequences,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “Too many lives have been taken by violent criminals and fentanyl smugglers who have taken advantage of the open border. This disregard for our citizens must end! Governor Lujan Grisham must work with the Trump administration to enforce the laws, secure the border, and deport the cartel members, human traffickers, drug smugglers, and violent gangs who have illegally entered our communities. The governor has a duty to protect New Mexicans.”