This petition is from concerned citizens/homeowners in Talavera subdivision, Las Cruces, New Mexico, regarding the illegal occupation of 4844 Deadwood Camp Court by various unknown individuals. 

The property at 4844 Deadwood Camp Court is owned by Erik Gonzalez-Salinas.  Over the course of the late winter and early spring, 2024, the home has been occupied by various individuals/"squatters", with no apparent legal basis to do so.  They have falsely represented that they were buying the property by paying back taxes, which is not permitted under New Mexico law.  They have also falsely asserted they were leasing the property from the owner, but can provide no substantiating documentation, and the owner has apparently refuted this claim. 

The owner, on information and belief, requested the assistance of the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office in removing the squatters in early April, 2024.  However, various individuals have subsequently returned to the house which remains open and unsecured. 

During this same time frame, unknown individuals have been seen wandering the neighborhood, some apparently under the influence of  unknown substances.  In one instance, a young woman wandered from Mother Lode to Silver King and onto Soledad Canyon at dusk.  Her erratic and incoherent behavior, walking down the middle of the main road, required the intervention of residents to prevent her being struck by  vehicles.  DASO and an ambulance were dispatched to address this situation.

These persons are living without established water or power. It is believed that propane tanks are being used to run a generator in the home's garage, posing not only an immediate danger to the inhabitants but also a tremendous risk of fire that could affect nearby homes and residents.  Sanitary conditions are also a concern given there is no running water.

Squatting in residential properties is not just an issue for the homeowners but it also affects the community as well. According to data from the National Crime Prevention Council, squatting can lead to increased crime rates and decreased property values in surrounding areas (National Crime Prevention Council). Furthermore, using propane tanks as makeshift generators can lead to explosions or fires if mishandled (National Fire Protection Association).

We urge Dona Ana County government officials to take swift action regarding this issue. By doing so, they will be protecting both the rights of homeowners and ensuring safety within our community.

Please sign this petition as a concerned resident and help us bring attention to this urgent matter before it escalates further into potential disaster.