Good morning, Las Cruces.

Las Cruces officials said ICE arrested Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in April on suspicions of ties to Tren de Aragua—a group later labeled a foreign terrorist organization—which led to legal action including the removal of Judge Jose Cano and his wife for alleged evidence tampering.

This upcoming week, arts and cultural events offer a range of experiences with exhibitions, book launches, festivals, film screenings and live music planned from May 2 through May 8 in Las Cruces and nearby towns.

Community highlights include the Desert Heroines Exhibition at The Mad Hatter Gallery, Smokey Bear Days at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan and film showings at local theaters — each event providing a unique opportunity to enjoy art and culture.

May is Historic Preservation Month in Las Cruces and the city honors its old buildings and landmarks by listing them on the Las Cruces Register of Cultural Properties — a step that highlights our rich cultural history.

Property owners may soon propose nominations by contacting the Department of Community Development.

New Mexico State University earned two new Carnegie classifications on April 24—2025 Institutional Classification and the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification; the awards, based on data from 2020 to 2023, show the university’s commitment to better degree offerings and student outcomes. These honors highlight its ongoing focus on quality teaching, research, and career preparation.

On April 29, New Mexico observed National Fentanyl Awareness Day to stress the signs of fentanyl overdose and promote free naloxone available online+ at public health offices; the NM Department of Health also supported programs for opioid treatment and adulterant testing to help reduce overdose deaths.

Two former New Mexico State University basketball players—Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers and Trevelin Queen of the Orlando Magic—are competing to win an NBA championship this playoffs season.

Siakam's team leads its best-of-seven series two games to none against the Milwaukee Bucks while Queen's team works to overcome a deficit against the Boston Celtics.

Alma d' Arte Spanish Market

May 2-4 — Alma d' Arte Charter High School — Free entry — Discover the vibrant cultural art from Spanish New Mexico at this world-class Spanish Colonial Art Market.

El Camino Market Show

6:30-10 p.m. — El Camino — Tickets nonrefundable — Enjoy a night of live performances featuring Ask the Past, Honey & Virosa, and St. Anthony's Fire.

2025 Las Cruces UkeFest

All day — Corbett Center Student Union — Pre-registration required — Celebrate the annual ukulele festival with music and good vibes in Las Cruces.

Icebox Brewing Art Class

6-8:30 p.m. — Icebox Brewing Company — $40/person — Enjoy a step-by-step painting class while sipping on your favorite beverage.

Memorial Day Weekend New Mexico Wine Festival

Noon-6 p.m. — Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds — General admission required — Celebrate local wines with tastings, food trucks, and live music during this festive weekend.

Mayor's Jazz Festival

7 p.m. — Plaza De Las Cruces — Free admission — Celebrate a summer of live jazz, community joy, and good vibes with local and traveling acts.

70's Hippy Night Karaoke

7-11 p.m. — Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery Las Cruces — Free entry — Sing your favorite 1970s hits and embrace the flower power vibes.