Mask confusion: Dona Ana County requires face masks, Las Cruces mayor opposed

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Dona Ana County Commissioners voted recently to make it mandatory for anyone out in public to wear a mask.

This was much to the chagrin of Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima who is not in favor of forcing his constituents to dawn face coverings.

"I dont feel like we need to put a city ordinance forth. It's not that I don't support face coverings, I do.  I think it's the responsible thing to do, the respectable thing to do," said the mayor.

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Sheriff Kim Stewart, who is tasked with enforcing the county mandate, is agreeing with the mayor.

"We have been put in a position in a way of enforcement, when perhaps we should of maintained educating," said Sheriff Stewart.

The county's law enforcement head believes this could be a tool used by residents to weaponize her deputies.

"If we are getting a call about someone not wearing a mask, the underlying situation might be a neighborhood dispute and suddenly that becomes the reason they are calling," she said.

The sheriff added, "Do I disagree with it?  Yes, for the reason I described, but that's our challenge and mission and we are happy to live up to that."

If you are given a citation for violating the county mandate, it may cost you up to a $300 fine.