Las Cruces
Coverage of Las Cruces in the Nexus archive.
- Las Cruces Police seize guns, drugs in multi-agency sting
A joint law enforcement investigation targeting violent gang activity in the Las Cruces area resulted in multiple seizures and legal actions. The operation yielded federal and state criminal charges, the seizure of firearms and illegal drugs, and led to the resolution of 11 drive-by shootings.
- New Mexico Man Gets Life in Federal Prison for 2023 Carjacking Murder
Brayden Matthew Alvarado was sentenced to life in federal prison in El Paso for the 2023 carjacking, kidnapping, and murder of a Las Cruces man. The sentencing followed federal charges related to the violent crimes.
- Romanian National to be Sentenced for Participation in Fraud Scheme
A Romanian national, Claudiu Pesteleu, is set to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, for his role in a fraud scheme that used fake business websites to steal over $1.8 million from consumers in Las Cruces.
- U.S. Supreme Court settles long-running Texas-New Mexico water dispute over Rio Grande
The U.S. Supreme Court has resolved a long-running water dispute between Texas and New Mexico over the Rio Grande. The case involved conflicting claims about water rights and usage along the river, which flows through both states.
- Vulnerable Dem incumbent caught calling home state ‘stolen land’ in resurfaced video
Rep. Gabe Vasquez, a New Mexico Democrat running for re-election, made controversial remarks in 2020 calling his home state 'stolen land' and criticizing systemic racism. His comments resurfaced in a video, prompting criticism from the Republican National Committee while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee defended his support for law enforcement.