Sheriff's office won't enforce gun ban

PORTALES, N.M. (KRQE) - An eastern New Mexico Sheriff is taking a hard stance in the gun control debate. His office said they will not enforce potential federal gun bans, as lawmakers continue the debate in Washington.  

Law enforcement officials in Roosevelt County have spoken when it comes to stricter gun control laws.

"I can speak for the Sheriff as well as the entire Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office," said Chief Deputy Sheriff Malin Parker, of the Roosevelt County Sheriff's office . "We will not enforce any executive order gun bans."

The Sheriff's office stands alongside other gun owners, as reports that House Democrats plan to reveal proposals for curbing gun violence, including a call to ban assault weapons.

But the Sheriff's office in Roosevelt County said their oath includes supporting the Constitution, and Second Amendment, adding an executive order will be up to federal agencies to enforce.

"It's the oath of office, and we take it seriously and we try to live by it at all times," explained Parker.

"I totally agree, they should not enforce that, us as American citizens have the right to bear arms," said Donovan Ulibarri, in Portales.

Parker told KRQE News 13 the department has received an overwhelming amount of support from their constituents regarding the Sheriff's stance on gun control.

"I'm not willing to give up my guns and I don't think gun control is the answer," said Darin Warren, Portales resident. Warren works at True Value in Portales, where store managers said, lately ammunition leaves store shelves as soon as they restock it, and much of the ammo is on back-order.

"They're (customers) concerned about being able to buy ammo because it has become difficult," said Warren. "And you do see a lot of people getting angry because they can't buy ammo for their guns, and some of it's common -- you know, .22s."

Those who oppose stricter federal gun laws claim law-abiding citizens will be the ones mostly affected. Many argue criminals will keep breaking the law.

"Just like drugs, have they stopped drugs? No, and they've tried, still haven't," said Darrick Laughin, in Portales.

Parker added gun safety is the responsibility of gun owners.

"The people that are causing the problems would cause the problems with or without guns," he said.

The Roosevelt County Sheriff's Department is not alone in their stance against enforcing a federal gun ban. The Curry County Sheriff's office also told the Clovis News Journal, they too would not enforce a federal ban.