According to the Department of Public Safety, Lt. Governor Howie Morales is scheduled to speak during the ceremony, which will take place at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy memorial site on Cerrillos Road.
By Levi Gwaltney for Las Cruces Digest
Source: N.M. Department of Public Safety, et al.
Photos: Courtesy
Cover Photo: 2026 Southern New Mexico Fallen Peace Officer Memorial (Courtesy Las Cruces Police Department)
Communities across New Mexico are observing National Police Week with memorial ceremonies, public tributes and moments of remembrance honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty — including a fallen deputy from Doña Ana County.
State officials announced this week that Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Deputy Antonio De Jesus Aleman will be honored during the 2026 New Mexico Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony scheduled for May 22 in Santa Fe.
The annual memorial, hosted by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, will also honor Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Lt. Governor Howie Morales is scheduled to speak during the ceremony, which will take place at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy memorial site on Cerrillos Road.
Deputy Aleman died in July 2025 after his patrol unit collided with a semi-truck while he was on duty near the Avenida De Mesilla exit on Interstate 10.
At the time, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office described Aleman as “a valuable asset” to the department since joining the agency in April 2021.
Aleman was 33 years old and left behind his wife and two children.
In the days following his death, agencies from across southern New Mexico joined the Sheriff’s Office and Aleman family in mourning. The City of Sunland Park later noted that police and fire personnel from throughout the region stood together “in a moving display of solidarity, respect, and remembrance” during funeral services honoring the deputy.
Police Week observances have unfolded across local, state and federal agencies throughout the week.
A photograph shared by the Las Cruces Police Department highlighted the 2026 Southern New Mexico Fallen Peace Officer Memorial held during National Police Week observances.
Last year, members of the Las Cruces Police Department traveled to Washington, D.C., following the death of Officer Jonah Hernandez, whose name was formally added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during national observances.
Elsewhere, the United States Border Patrol marked Police Week with a Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring officers who died in service to the nation.
U.S. Department of the Interior hosted their annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony to honor the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of our Department’s brave police forces.
“This year, two additional names were solemnly added to the Valor Memorial,” the agency wrote in a public statement. “Their courage, service, and devotion to protecting the American people will never be forgotten.”
Federal land management and park agencies also participated in observances.
The White Sands National Park recognized National Police Week by honoring park law enforcement rangers, U.S. Park Police officers and investigative personnel who protect visitors and park resources.
“Law enforcement rangers are committed to protecting each visitor and employee who passes through White Sands, ensuring our safety for a memorable experience,” the park wrote in a public statement.
The National Park Service also recognized law enforcement rangers, special agents and emergency responders serving throughout the national park system, including officers involved in firefighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services and visitor protection.
Meanwhile, New Mexico State Police issued a statewide message honoring “the brave men and women who serve and protect” while remembering officers who “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
National Police Week traces its origins to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week.
According to preliminary data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, six law enforcement officers nationwide were feloniously killed in the line of duty during the past month alone.
For many departments and communities, however, the observance remains deeply personal.
The May 22 memorial ceremony in Santa Fe will formally add Deputy Aleman’s name to the state’s roll of fallen officers — ensuring his service and sacrifice are remembered alongside others who died serving communities across New Mexico.
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