'Operation Route 66' nets 700 arrests; no timetable given for end of operation

A multi-agency operation dedicated to cracking down on crime in the International District led to 700 arrests in three months, including a man who was arrested five times.

In February, the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole Division partnered up for “Operation Route 66” to arrest and prosecute people committing crime in the International District.

As of Monday, the operation has netted 700 arrests over 12 weeks, recovering dozens of guns and stolen vehicles. About 100 law enforcement officers have been working weekly during the operation, according to the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

“(The 700) is a staggering number and it shows how much this neighborhood deserved this operation,” Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said during a news conference Monday. “It’s unfair to the people that live here (...) to put up with this crap out on the streets. And what we’re trying all to do in law enforcement is bring back not only a sense of safety, but actual safety for the neighborhood.”

Of the 700 arrests, Michael Farfan was arrested five times on warrants and new crimes related to vehicle theft, burglary and criminal damage to property, 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office spokesperson Nancy Laflin said.

“This operation continues to highlight a deeper issue facing communities across New Mexico: high rates of recidivism,” BCSO spokesperson Deanna Aragon said in a news release. “A significant number of those arrested during Operation Route 66 are repeat offenders who continue to cycle through the criminal justice system.”

Of the hundreds of people arrested, 505 had warrants, including seven homicide suspects like Deomtray Davis, who was wanted for an open count of murder, Bregman said.

The operation is three months old, but it will continue for the foreseeable future. Officials did not give a timeline. The strategy includes moving to other parts of the city to track people down.

“We also are following every single one of those cases and doing everything we can to hold those people accountable and get justice,” Bregman said.

NMCD Cabinet Corrections Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero said probation and parole officers are working with law enforcement and prosecutors to target the most dangerous offenders and connect people who are struggling with addiction to get the services they need the most.

Along with reducing crime in the International District, a goal of “Operation 66” is to give people a chance to get help. State of the Heart Recovery Center, a nonprofit treatment center for substance abuse, is assisting law enforcement to make sure people have access treatment.

“Operation Route 66” has cost about $500,000 and there is enough funding to keep it going through June, Laflin said. She said the district attorney’s office plans to request additional funding.

“We’re only at halftime, folks,” Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said. “We’re not here to just do 60 or 90 days. We’re looking to do more and stay here in this community.”

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler issued a warning for criminals who think they have managed to slip through the cracks so far.

“Your days of terrorizing this community are coming to an end,” he said. “When your luck runs out, and it will, you will meet the consequences. The age of lawlessness is over.”