Socorro County sheriff explores proposal to take over Magdalena emergency response

The Socorro County Sheriff’s Office is drafting a proposal that could shift law‑enforcement and emergency‑response duties in Magdalena from the village marshal’s office to county deputies, Sheriff Lee Armijo told county commissioners this month.

Armijo first raised the idea during the Feb. 10 Socorro County Commission meeting, saying the discussion is in its early stages but could expand patrol coverage for the west side of the county, including Magdalena and the Alamo Navajo community.

“We’re back on talking to the new mayor of Magdalena, trying to see what we can do to help with the law enforcement there, possibly take over law enforcement,” Armijo told commissioners. “It’s 50–50 right now, but we are putting together a proposal for them.”

Magdalena currently budgets for four marshal positions. Armijo said the sheriff’s office is exploring whether the village would be willing to fund those same four positions under a contract with the county.

“They currently have positions for four deputy marshals,” Armijo said. “We’re giving them numbers on what it would cost for four deputies… If they can fund the four positions to us contractually, then they’ll have 22 to 24‑hour patrol.”

Armijo said the arrangement would allow the sheriff’s office to create a dedicated west‑side patrol shift, supplementing existing county coverage and increasing response capacity for both Magdalena and Alamo.

Magdalena Mayor Michael Thompson confirmed in an interview that he has spoken briefly with the sheriff but has not yet received the written proposal.

“We had a brief discussion with the sheriff, and he was going to provide to me a written proposal, which I haven’t seen yet,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the matter has not yet come before the village board of trustees.

Armijo emphasized that the idea remains preliminary and depends on village interest.

“We’re basically in the talking stage,” he said in your interview. “The mayor is not even sure if it’s something he wants to do. It’s just right now a talking point.”

He added that the sheriff’s office already responds to many calls in Magdalena, particularly during hours when the marshal’s office is not on duty.

Any shift in law‑enforcement authority would require approval from the Magdalena board of trustees. Armijo said community feedback could play a role once a formal proposal is presented.

Thompson said he plans to review the proposal once it arrives and discuss it with trustees.

The sheriff’s office is preparing cost estimates and staffing plans. The village is waiting to see the proposal before deciding whether to pursue the partnership.

For now, both sides describe the conversation as exploratory.