EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of Anthony, New Mexico, has asked for help from state and federal authorities after what they are calling the “discovery of significant operational failures, including missing public records, inaccessible systems and serious concerns stemming from the City’s administrative transition.”

The allegations were raised in a news release sent out by Anthony, New Mexico, Mayor Gabriel Holguin. Holguin took over as mayor in late December.

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City officials said they have been actively working with the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Las Cruces.

“However, the City has not received the level of follow-up or support necessary to resolve these issues or recover missing records.” the City of Anthony said.

The City of Anthony said that “due to the scope and seriousness of these issues, the City has formally requested additional intervention, including the consideration of federal involvement or the appointment of a special prosecutor to independently review these matters and assist with recovery and preservation efforts.”

The NM Attorney General’s Office said that they have responded to the Anthony mayor’s office and have “an attorney assigned to review this matter.”

The news release said that since taking office, Holguin and City leadership have identified “what appears to be the deletion and loss of public records, including investigative files, operational documents, and grant-related materials. At the Police Department, there was no structured transition — systems remained locked, devices were wiped, and access to critical information was not turned over to the incoming administration.”

The City’s news release said they have also identified concerns involving financial controls, including irregularities related to timecards and payroll practices, which are currently under further review.

The City is also facing what it is calling “an unprecedented volume of Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests since late 2025.”

“Many of these requests seek records that are known to be missing or impacted by the transition issues, placing a substantial strain on City operations and limiting the ability to maintain normal day-to-day functions,” the news release said.

Further concerns include the handling of City-issued equipment and records at the conclusion of the prior administration, the news release said.

Devices assigned to former officials were not returned and subsequently disappeared from City systems, and City email accounts were identified as having forwarded information externally prior to the transition, news release said.

“The City has also identified concerns regarding the handling and dissemination of sensitive communications involving former Police Chief Vanessa Ordonez,” the City of Anthony said in its news release.

These communications appear to have been “improperly routed,” raising questions about how sensitive information was shared and whether individuals were alerted to matters under review, the City said.

The City of Anthony cited Ordonez’s active candidacy for sheriff in Doña Ana County

“The City emphasizes that all findings will be determined by the appropriate investigative authorities,” according to its news release.

“As Mayor, I have a duty to protect the integrity of this City and ensure that public records are preserved and accessible,” Holguin said. “What we have encountered raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the proper handling of City operations during the transition.”

We have reached out to the District Attorney’s Office and to Ordonez for comment on these allegations.

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