New Mexico Attorney General files lawsuit as schools face $45M federal funding freeze
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The Trump Administration's funding freeze targets about$ 6 billion for a wide range of education programs. Roughly $45 million is on the line in New Mexico, which stands to have a major effect on K-12 schools, less than a month from now. 'These cuts go to heart of that relationship and undermines a commitment that we all share, Republicans and Democrats, that working families that are in public schools need and support as much as they can get,' said Attorney General Raúl Torrez.
Torrez is joining 21 other attorneys general across the US trying to get a judge to get that federal education funding flowing again. The $45 million in play for New Mexico pays for tutoring English language learning and other programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
They run more than 120 before and after-school programs in a lot of New Mexico's rural and underserved communities. Funding for those programs was frozen just one day before it was supposed to be paid out to school districts, who say there's no back-up plan yet. 'This is not about party lines, this is about the future of our students and our kids delaying our denying these funds sends a message that their education in negotiable,' said Superintendent Kristie Medina of Raton Public Schools.
The AG also emphasized Wednesday that the federal funding freeze only stands to potentially worsen New Mexico's juvenile crime problem.
So far, a federal judge has not scheduled a first hearing on the lawsuit, but the AG expects that the courts could decide on a temporary injunction within the next week.
Earlier this month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said she's considering the potential of calling a special session to deal with federal funding cuts, but hasn't said when that could happen.
The Republican Party of New Mexico sent this statement:
The Republican Party of New Mexico stands with President Trump in his effort to end reckless federal spending that prioritizes radical agendas over the real needs of American children. President Trump has long warned that he will cut funding for programs that promote DEI indoctrination and that cater to illegal immigrants at the expense of our students and our communities. We support this measure because we believe it will help secure the long-term viability of education programs that put New Mexico children first.
While Attorney General Torrez claims that a potential freeze of $45 million in K–12 funding will harm schools across our state, it is important to recognize that rural schools—those he says will be hit hardest—have long suffered under current funding structures. These communities already receive fewer resources and face greater challenges than larger, urban districts, in which they over come successfully. Yet, the quality of education statewide has not improved under existing policies.
We believe New Mexico students benefit most when local communities have control over their schools. That's why we continue to advocate for school choice. Parents across our state are demanding an end to ideological indoctrination and a return to academic excellence. They want the freedom to choose educational environments that reflect their values and truly prepare their children for the future.
This lawsuit from the AG is more about political theater than protecting our kids. The RPNM will always support policies that return power to parents, cut wasteful spending, and focus our limited resources where they belong—on our children's success, not on federal mandates that dilute accountability and outcomes.'
Amy Barela, Chairwoman, Republican Party of New Mexico
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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