USA: New Mexico sues Justice Ministry over Epstein files

The state of New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department, demanding access to unredacted records from the Jeffrey Epstein case. New Mexico alleges that federal authorities are hindering its investigation by refusing to release these documents.

The lawsuit intensifies an already politically charged dispute in the U.S. surrounding the Epstein files. New Mexico's investigation could have international implications if individuals who sexually abused girls and women at the financier's ranch in the state are identified.

The state, governed by Democrats, reopened its investigation in February. It seeks unredacted records from the Justice Department to identify visitors and employees at the Zorro Ranch who may have participated in criminal acts or witnessed offenses. The Justice Department, however, claims it has provided some files but cannot release further material, citing privacy concerns.

"Federal inaction not only hinders the investigation. It prolongs and exacerbates the suffering of survivors," the lawsuit states, urging the District Court of Columbia to compel Todd Blanche, acting Justice Department head, to release the files. The Justice Department responded that, under the Epstein Records Transparency Act and existing court rulings, it is not obligated or permitted to provide information that reveals victims' identities.

New Mexico officials argue the Justice Department breached a 2019 agreement. Under that agreement, the state agreed to halt its Epstein investigation and provide evidence to the federal government in exchange for ongoing information sharing about alleged victims and crimes. New Mexico's prosecutor, Raul Torres, stated in March that the state's investigation faced significant obstacles, including the passage of decades since some crimes occurred and the loss of evidence after the ranch's sale in 2023.