Las Cruces to consider local mask requirement on top of statewide requirement

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - On Friday afternoon, the Las Cruces City Council discussed at length the possibility of requiring masks at the local level, in addition to the governor's mandate at the state level.

"That way, we have a little bit more control," said Mayor Ken Miyagishima. "The management team, the chief and everyone knows that we don't want to put in anyone in jail over this."

If councilors made a local ordinance, the Las Cruces Police Department could enforce it at the municipal level, with a $500 maximum fine, the mayor said. If the city chose not to create an ordinance, only New Mexico State Police would enforce the mask requirement.

However, Las Cruces Police Chief Patrick Gallagher told councilors that he will not divert officers to enforce a mask requirement, which would be a petty misdemeanor.

"A petty misdemeanor is not very high on the list of priorities," said Chief Gallagher.

He cited an increase in property crime locally, including a shooting death last Saturday that officers say involved a burglary of a popular Las Cruces business owner.

"I will not feel comfortable diverting scarce law enforcement resources to enforce this (mask requirement)," Chief Gallagher said.

Mayor Miyagishima issues an emergency proclamation on Friday requiring anyone who casts their ballot inside the Las Cruces City Hall to wear a mask.

"Voting is very, very important to me," said Councilwoman Yvonne Flores, who initially raised the question of whether a mask requirement restricts a voter's rights. "It's a cornerstone of our democracy."

"It's not a restrictive measure," said Councilwoman Johana Bencomo. "It's a protective measure."