Divisive New Mexico Gun Seizure Bill Signed Into Law

Further estranging the state’s sheriffs and pro-gun advocates, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday signed a new “red flag” bill into law.

The measure, SB 5, was backed by national anti-gun groups such as Giffords and Bloomberg-financed Everytown, who applauded the action by Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who ran for office on support from such groups. The bill squeaked through the Democrat-controlled state Senate earlier this month largely along party lines in a 22-20 vote while the state House greenlighted the proposal 39-31.

The law adopts an Extreme Risk Fiream Protection Order program in the state to allow courts to order temporary gun seizures for up to a year. Arguing the concept ranges from flawed to downright unconstitutional, 30 of the state’s 33 sheriffs opposed the move. To this, Lujan Grisham this week said the lawmen should step down if they persist in vows to refuse to enforce the controversial seizures.

“If they really intend to do that, they should resign as a law enforcement officer and leader in that community,” she said, as reported by ABC.