Source New Mexico staff

This article was originally published by Source New Mexico.

New Mexico U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez has announced his resignation, which he said came at the request of President Donald J. Trump, reportedly one of more than 20 U.S. attorneys the administration has asked to step down.

Nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed Uballez on May 17 of that year. A news release announcing his departure highlighted Uballez’s work in the Project Safe Neighborhoods project, as well as his outreach to Tribal communities and efforts to modernize the office.

“Today, I say farewell to a Department that I love,” Uballez said in a statement. “Together, we have made our community safer by delivering swift and certain justice to the most prolific violent offenders, human and drug traffickers, and child abusers. We have saved lives by intervening to prevent violence and by supporting those who strive to return to our community from incarceration. Most importantly, we fought to build a community united in the pursuit of justice for all by choosing prevention before punishment, delivering consequences but not indignity, and seeking redemption not isolation.”

Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the FBI Albuquerque field office, described Uballez in a statement as “an incredible partner in our mission to protect the American public. “Throughout his time as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Uballez has been dedicated to ensuring the safety of the citizens in our community and relentless in his pursuit of justice for victims of crime. There is no doubt his work has made a positive impact on our community.”

Current First Assistant U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin will serve as acting U.S. attorney until the president nominates and the Senate confirms Uballez’s successor.