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Do—1a Ana County, Sunland Park announce enforcement push after stray bullets, trespass near jetport
Summary
County and city officials announced a coordinated public-safety initiative to curb recreational shooting and trespassing at the "wall" near the Do—1a Ana County International Jetport, saying increased patrols, new signage and surveillance technology will be paired with education and a zero-tolerance enforcement posture on posted private property.
Do—1a Ana County Commissioner Gloria Gomez, vice chair of District 2, told residents at a press briefing that families living near the Valencia Park subdivision in Santa Teresa have reported repeated trespassing, exploding targets, shell casings and stray bullets from activity at a nearby site known as "the wall." "Every family deserves to feel safe in their home," Gomez said, describing visits to affected homes and work with property owners to post no-trespassing signs and authorize enforcement.
DASO Major Sanchez said the sheriff's office, the New Mexico State Police and Sunland Park police began public-education efforts this past weekend and will move to enforcement afterward. "If you are at the wall or on private property where it's clearly posted, you will be cited," he said, describing an education-first approach that will be followed by a zero-tolerance enforcement posture.
Sunland Park Police Chief Kerry James said agencies are working with private property owners and the jetport to secure the area and encourage voluntary compliance. He listed enforcement tools that will be used alongside outreach, including ATV and UTV patrols, vehicle patrols and surveillance technology supplied by partner agencies and property owners, and asked residents to report suspicious activity.
State Representative Remundo Lada, who helped engage state police for the effort, said the initiative aims to protect families and children without restricting lawful firearm ownership. Mayor Pro Tem Raul Deas of Sunland Park described incidents in which two homes were struck by gunfire and said aircraft operating from the nearby jetport had sustained damage from gunfire; he credited volunteers who helped install additional signage on June 20.
Officials said the coordinated initiative is intended to be ongoing rather than a one-time operation: additional patrols and newly installed surveillance technology will support investigations and improve accountability, they said. Organizers offered to take follow-up interviews after the briefing and said the session would be livestreamed on the county's YouTube page.
The briefing recorded no formal motions or votes; officials described operational steps and interagency cooperation. Several speakers emphasized community partnership and the goal of preventing future incidents through education, voluntary compliance and enforcement when trespass occurs.
