FGGAM received this news release from the New Mexico Republican Party:
Santa Fe, NM — Governor Susana Martinez opened up the 30-day legislative session on Tuesday by calling on lawmakers to confront violent crime, demand more than mediocrity in education, and continue to compete for jobs and diversify New Mexico’s economy.
Among many other things, the Governor called on legislators to once and for all end the dangerous practice of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, saying:
“And the Legislature should finally listen to the people of New Mexico: Let’s end the dangerous practice of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants from all over the world. New Mexico has been a target for human traffickers and smugglers seeking to take advantage of our laws. And now, the federal government has confirmed its plan to stop accepting New Mexico driver’s licenses to board airplanes. … Our compromise is the same as surrounding states: it stops giving licenses to illegal immigrants from around the world, and it ensures our ID is secure.”
KOAT-TV reports that Governor Martinez wants stiffer penalties for repeat offenders. “She said lawmakers need to step up in order to keep repeat offenders behind bars, such as the suspects accused of killing Benner and Webster, and that New Mexico’s laws are too lax. She also wants a tougher three strikes law to lock violent repeat offenders up for life.”
KOB-TV reports that Governor Martinez railed against boomrang thugs and repeat DWI offenders. “Early in her speech Martinez honored two police officers slain in the line of duty in 2015 – Nigel Benner in Rio Rancho and Dan Webster in Albuquerque. The governor railed against boomerang thugs, teenage gangs terrorizing neighborhoods, and repeat drunk drivers running amok.”
IN STARK CONTRAST…
Senate Boss Michael Sanchez responded to the Governor’s speech by going into a tirade against reporters, using divisive rhetoric and even getting into a shouting match with a reporter…
In Case You Missed it
New Mexico driver’s licenses not accepted at Department of Defense bases
Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico residents will now have to show an alternative form of identification in order to gain access to military bases and installations because Democrats continue to demand that illegal immigrants receive New Mexico driver’s licenses. The U.S. Department of Defense announced today that it will no longer accept driver’s licenses from five states—including New Mexico –as proof of identity.
Reps. Paul Pacheco and Andy Nuñez are sponsoring HB 99, compromise legislation that would stop the dangerous practice of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and instead issue illegal immigrants driving privilege cards. The proposal would also bring New Mexico into compliance with the REAL ID Act. House Republicans have repeatedly tried to repeal the law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a state driver’s license, but the legislation remains blocked by Senate Democrats.
Licenses From 5 States Banned at DoD Bases
By: Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
January 20, 2016
https://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/643615/licenses-from-5-states-banned-at-dod-bases
WASHINGTON, January 20, 2016 — Defense Department installations will no longer accept driver’s licenses from Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico and Washington as proof of identity, DoD officials said.
Federal Policy
The ban, which also includes licenses from American Samoa, is a consequence of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
The REAL ID Act grew out of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — most of the terrorists involved had driver’s licenses from Florida and Virginia. Congress tightened up issuance processes and documentation needed to get a driver’s license. Compliant cards must have specific security features to prevent tampering, counterfeiting or duplication of the document. The licenses also must present data in a common, machine-readable format.
The REAL ID Act affects only access control policies where individuals are required to present an identification document for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants or boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. The federal REAL ID Act implementation rules allow for exceptions, officials noted. For example, they explained, life or safety issues such as medical emergencies, and situations in which physical access is necessary to apply for benefits are two exceptions.
Those attempting to gain physical access to DoD installations must show an alternate form of identification, such as a passport, officials said. Service members, family members, DoD employees, and federal employees with the DoD common access card, DoD uniformed services identification and privileges cards, federal personal identification verification cards or transportation workers’ identification credentials are not affected, officials said, as these cards are authorized in DoD policy to facilitate physical access to installations.
“All federal agencies including DoD must comply with the law regarding the use of REAL IDs for official purposes,” an official said. “For most DoD installations, an identification card or an installation pass is required to facilitate access. Hence, where an ID or an installation pass is used for physical access, DoD installations are prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses or state identification cards from states deemed non-REAL ID compliant.
“DoD policy allows commanders to waive the DoD access control requirements for special situations, circumstances, or emergencies,” the official said. “Therefore, installations may authorize other alternatives to facilitate installation access, such as a graduation ceremony guest list, escorts, etc.”
