The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a recent annexation petition submitted by the City of Sunland Park and authorized the county attorney to pursue legal options to oppose the annexation.

County staff presented the annexation request (roughly 2,625.47 acres along the municipal boundary). Commissioners moved into a closed session to discuss threatened and pending litigation related to Paseo del Norte LLC v. Doña Ana County (D‑307‑CV‑2025‑03060). After returning to open session, Commissioner Sanchez offered an amendment to deny the annexation and direct the county attorney to “entertain all legal options.” The amendment passed by roll call.

Commissioners cited unresolved negotiations and public‑safety and utility concerns—particularly negotiations concerning termination of the Joint Powers Agreement with CRUA and ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for residents in the affected areas—as reasons for denying the annexation without further agreement.

The board’s action authorizes county legal staff to pursue whatever remedies they deem appropriate; any litigation or responses will proceed under the county’s legal processes and the pending case docket.