Mescalero Apache Tribe council president suspended

UPDATE (April 27, 2026) -- The Mescalero Apache Tribe posted a statement addressing its president's suspension.

"We ask for your patience as the Tribe investigates the accusations brought forth against the President," the tribe wrote in part on Facebook. "Please remember to be kind and respectful to one another as this process unfolds."

The tribe's vice president, Duane Duffy, wrote a statement that said the tribe council passed a motion to suspend Thora Walsh-Padilla April 14. The suspension is set for 30 days.

Duffy will act as president in the meantime.

MESCALERO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Mescalero Apache Tribe council president said she has been suspended pending investigation, according to a Facebook post Wednesday. Thora Walsh-Padilla said the charge is "nepotism for hiring someone that is not related" to her.

"I gave a highly qualified young woman a chance, as I was given 32 years ago when I was APPOINTED to my first position with the tribe," Padilla posted on Facebook.

Padilla said, "I completely understand - change is hard. I know that it’s not easy to accept the disruption of the status quo. I will defer to the creator on this one. If it is meant for me to continue the work I have started then it will be. I do have faith - I do not put forth empty prayers."

This is a developing story.