Doña Ana County Sheriff distributes 3,000 face masks to help public comply with order

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- After Doña Ana County Commissioners mandated masks in all public areas of the county, Sheriff Kim Stewart said she knew she needed to get the public the masks they needed to comply.

"We're having a wonderful time," Sheriff Stewart said. "We're building bridges today."

On Friday, her team distributed 3,000 masks to residents who drove by in a line outside the sheriff's office.

"I think it's an example of: 'The community will come if you call them,'" Sheriff Stewart said. "The community will participate."

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gave thousands of masks to the county for distribution to the public, the sheriff said. Her department hopes to distribute more in the future.

"(The public) will comply without ordinances, without rules and laws," Sheriff Stewart said. "But they have to be given the tools to do it."