New crime reduction operation honors fallen officer Jonah Hernandez

Las Cruces police and partner agencies are stepping up patrols through August, focusing on repeat offenders and violent crime hot spots in memory of Officer Jonah Hernandez.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A months-long law enforcement effort is underway in Las Cruces, launched in memory of Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty last year.

Operation Not in Vain began April 28 and will continue through August. The initiative brings together multiple agencies to target violent crime hot spots across the city and focus enforcement on frequent offenders.

“Our first Not in Vain operation was extremely successful and underscored the importance of collaboration among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story. “This year, we’re looking to refine those collaborations, continue pursuing initiatives that make Las Cruces a safer city and keep the memory of Jonah alive in the city he served.”

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Hernandez, who was from El Paso, served with the Las Cruces Police Department for two years. He was fatally stabbed on Feb. 11, 2024, while responding to a trespassing call.

Law enforcement agencies involved in this year’s operation include:

• Las Cruces Police Department
• New Mexico State Police
• Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office
• Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office
• U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Several federal agencies

The first Operation Not in Vain ran from August 5 to November 8, 2024. During that three-month period, law enforcement officers made 127 felony arrests, 114 misdemeanor arrests, issued 89 criminal citations and more than 1,200 traffic citations.

This year’s campaign will again focus on increasing police presence in areas of the city experiencing the most violent crime, with a particular emphasis on known repeat offenders and individuals identified as drivers of community violence.

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