Albuquerque continues to face escalating challenges across public safety, homelessness, drug trafficking, and citywide infrastructure. Since Mayor Tim Keller took office, the city has recorded 784 homicides, validating Darren White’s claim that more than 750 people have been murdered during Keller’s tenure. Violent crime continues to weigh heavily on public perception and political debate.

Homelessness has also surged. The 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count reported an 8% increase, rising from 2,740 to 2,960 individuals. However, recent encampment sweeps and a high refusal rate of 41.4% make the data unreliable. Eddy argues the real homeless population in Albuquerque is closer to 5,000, citing systemic barriers such as lack of documentation, unaffordable rents, and issues with voucher programs. Domestic violence drives more than a third of statewide homelessness, and Diné (Navajo) individuals make up nearly half of Albuquerque’s unsheltered population. Student homelessness is especially alarming: 10,533 New Mexico students were identified as homeless for the 2024–2025 school year.

Youth violence is another crisis point. Darren White has proposed a new initiative after the current administration failed to address juvenile crime for eight years meaningfully. The case of 12-year-old Messiah Hayes, transferred to an out-of-state treatment facility after participating in a deliberate murder, underscores the severity of the issue.

Drug trafficking remains deeply entrenched. A major bust at Isleta Pueblo uncovered 37,000 fentanyl pills, $38,000 in cash, and a $1.5 million street value supply — raising fears about how much remains on Albuquerque’s streets. Overdose deaths are estimated at 250–500 annually.

Meanwhile, the city is expanding surveillance under its “Smart Cities” program — from Chinese opera loudspeakers to deter loitering, to a dramatically upgraded Rail Runner security system with real-time monitored cameras. These technologies reflect both innovation and desperation as Albuquerque attempts to manage mounting urban pressures.

OUTLINE OR TLDR OR LISTEN

State of Albuquerque: Crime, Homelessness, and City Initiatives

Homicide Statistics

* Since Tim Keller took office, there have been 784 homicides, confirming Darren White’s campaign claim of over 750 homicides.

Homelessness Crisis

* Point-in-Time (PIT) Count (2025):

* The official count indicates an 8% year-over-year increase in homelessness, from 2,740 to 2,960 people.

* The New Mexico Coalition conducted the Count to End Homelessness (NMCEH).

* Data Accuracy Concerns:

* The official count is likely to undercount unsheltered individuals due to recent encampment sweeps, which have made outreach and tracking more difficult.

* The survey had a high refusal rate of 41.4%.

* Eddy estimates the actual number of homeless individuals in Albuquerque alone is closer to 5,000.

* Contributing Factors to Homelessness:

* Barriers: Lack of documentation (including among undocumented immigrants), high rental prices, and complications with housing vouchers.

* Domestic Violence: A major driver, cited by 36.2% of the homeless population statewide.

* Overrepresented Groups: Diné (Navajo) individuals constitute nearly half of the unsheltered population in Albuquerque and statewide.

* Student Homelessness:

* A significant indicator of scale: 10,533 New Mexico students were identified as homeless for the 2024–2025 school year.

Youth Violence

* Darren White’s Platform: Proposes a youth violence initiative—an area the current administration has had eight years to address.

* Case Example (Messiah Hayes):

* A New Mexico judge ruled that 12-year-old Messiah Hayes, charged with murder, will be transferred to an out-of-state behavioral health treatment facility.

* Hayes and three other juveniles were involved in the intentional killing of bicyclist Scott Habermill.

Drug Trafficking

* Fentanyl Seizure:

* A major seizure occurred at Isleta Pueblo, about 8 miles from the radio station.

* Authorities seized 37,000 fentanyl pills with a street value of $1.5 million, along with approximately $38,000 in cash.

* The operation was a collaboration among the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), tribal police, and a U.S. Department of Homeland Security task force.

* Scope of the Problem:

* Eddy questions how many more pills may be circulating in Albuquerque if 37,000 were seized on a single reservation.

* Annual overdose deaths are estimated to be between 250 and 500 people.

City Surveillance and Technology Initiatives

* “Smart Cities” Program:

* The city has implemented a security initiative using federal “Smart Cities” funding.

* Technologies are being used to monitor crime and deter loitering and homelessness.

* Auditory Deterrent (Chinese Opera):

* The city is broadcasting Chinese opera music from public speakers at multiple locations to deter loitering, camping, and break-ins.

* Approximately 20 speakers have been installed citywide, including in pedestrian tunnels near Louisiana, Jerry Klein Park, 2nd Street and Gold, and the MLK Streetscape.

* Signs prohibiting camping and loitering are posted near Eddys.

* New Mexico Rail Runner Surveillance:

* In response to safety concerns, including stabbings, the city has enhanced security on the Rail Runner train.

* Six real-time cameras have been installed in each train car.

* Cameras are monitored live by staff during operating hours (5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with an extra hour at night on weekends).

* Eddy speculates this may also aim to lower the transit system’s insurance rates.

* The Rail Runner is described as a financial “loss leader,” costing $27 million annually with low ridership.

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