I grew up and currently reside in NM after 36 years in CA. This state may well be a preview for the rest of the country. It is more than 50 percent Hispanic. It is heavily dependent on spending by the federal government. Government workers of all stripes, including the military, are almost venerated, and most "ambitious" NM kids aspire to become cops, nurses, or go into the military. The private sector is comparatively small, and despite fairly low income and property tax rates, NM has a poort business climate. The state has a long history of corruption, and while ostensibly regulation is probably no worse than many states, apparently the regulators expect sub rosa payoffs (which is probably not much different than other states).

Put it all together, and you have state officials, especially the police, who are completely unaccountable. Espanola, where this incident happened, is a small town in northern New Mexico, not too far from Santa Fe. It is poor and at least 75 percent Hispanic. Growing up, we knew better, as fairly affluent white kids from Los Alamos, to go to such places, especially after dark. My brother-in-law's father was shot and killed in an incident in northern NM. I do not believe his killer was ever apprehended and brought to justice. There has been a heavy migration of wealthy, liberal Californians into Santa Fe, and they have turned it into an enclave, but they haven't a clue as to what the rest of NM is like. My guess is that nothing will happen to the police officer responsible for shooting the kid in Espanola. He probably got his job from a relative, and they protect their own.