Police, Sheriffs Voice Concern On Gun Background Checks

"Feel-good" legislation on guns in New Mexico has put county sheriffs in a quandry: How to enforce them? 

That is why many county sheriffs have pushed for "Second Amendment Sanctuary County" status for their home counties. So far, 25 out of 33 New Mexico counties have passed resolutions declaring themselves a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County".

Myhighplains.com has an article on this:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A bill to expand background checks on private gun sales in New Mexico that's awaiting the governor's promised signature is presenting a key question for law enforcement as it heads for her desk: How do they expect to enforce it? 

Debate over the bill exposed a rift in the state over gun rights before it won final approval in the Legislature this week and was sent to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has described it as common-sense reform. 

Most sheriffs have vowed not to enforce the law, arguing it burdens lawful gun owners and will be difficult to enforce. That's because a gun most likely would have to be used in a crime before law enforcement could investigate whether it had been purchased unlawfully, according to the bill's opponents. 

But others, including Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, say the measure will provide a public safety tool. For example, he said officers could follow up on complaints that felons or others restricted from owning firearms are obtaining them.

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