In the early days of a second Trump administration, a remarkable and largely unseen operation unfolded: a daily assembly of state attorneys general determined to challenge the new president’s policies. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a key figure in this coalition, revealed the intensity of their efforts, describing meetings that initially occurred every single day.
The urgency was palpable. Within the first 90 days, the group convened relentlessly, then transitioned to meetings every other day, meticulously strategizing legal battles against the administration. This wasn’t a sporadic reaction; it was a sustained, organized resistance built on anticipation and a clear understanding of potential conflicts.
The result of this focused opposition has been significant. Since January of that year, Torrez himself has spearheaded or joined 36 legal challenges, targeting a wide range of policies. These included contesting the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and fiercely opposing initiatives related to immigration and government efficiency.
Torrez openly acknowledged the immense strain this undertaking placed on his office, calling it an “ever-growing resource challenge.” Tracking the sheer volume of litigation required a dedicated and sustained effort, a constant monitoring of the administration’s actions and the status of each legal case.
Torrez’s own path to the attorney general’s office began in 2016 with a successful run for Bernalillo County district attorney. That campaign received substantial support from a political action committee funded by a significant donation from a well-known philanthropist, a contribution that ultimately influenced the political landscape of the race.
The financial backing proved pivotal. A substantial sum was directed towards media buys and production, amplifying Torrez’s message. This influx of resources led one opponent to withdraw from the race, citing the insurmountable challenge of competing against such well-funded support.
After two terms as district attorney, Torrez ascended to the position of New Mexico’s attorney general in 2023. Almost immediately, he launched his first lawsuit, challenging an executive order restricting birthright citizenship just one day after the administration’s return to power.
Torrez framed the order as a fundamental assault on the Constitution, a direct violation of the rights guaranteed to every child born within American borders. That legal challenge, along with others, remains ongoing, a testament to the coalition’s commitment to resisting policies they deemed unlawful.
The legal battles continued to escalate. Torrez led challenges against the administration’s actions concerning a government department, arguing unlawful authority was granted. He also joined forces with other attorneys general to contest an executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Even seemingly settled victories offered little comfort. Torrez expressed concern that policies initially blocked by legal challenges were being codified into law, making future legal battles even more difficult. The speed and scale of the administration’s actions were, in his view, overwhelming the capacity of existing institutions to respond effectively.
Preparation for this confrontation began well before the inauguration, in early 2024. The coalition understood the potential for conflict and proactively positioned themselves to defend what they believed were fundamental principles. They haven’t slowed down, maintaining a relentless pace of opposition.
Torrez’s assessment was stark: the government wasn’t equipped to handle the sheer volume and velocity of changes being implemented. The coalition’s efforts represent a significant, though often unseen, force shaping the legal landscape of a turbulent era.
