New Mexico Sues Trump DOJ, Accusing It of Blocking Epstein Ranch Probe

Published Aug 5, 05:10 PM UTC

New Mexico filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing them of intentionally withholding unredacted documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. The state seeks access to federal files to investigate alleged child sex trafficking and abuse at the New Mexico property, which victims claim was a site of illicit activity. Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated the DOJ's delay is harming the criminal investigation and delaying justice for survivors. The lawsuit follows a failed 2019 federal intervention that closed the case, and a 2025 congressional mandate (Epstein Files Transparency Act) that remains unfulfilled. Blanche faces criticism for obstructing the files' release, yet his confirmation for a top DOJ role advanced in the Senate.