April Fools Pranks Sweep Through New Mexico

From deputized pigeons to a new state holiday, the Land of Enchantment was full of humorous hijinks on April Fools' Day.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:49am

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On April 1st, New Mexicans were treated to a variety of creative and amusing April Fools' Day pranks across social media and local government. From the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputizing pigeons to the governor declaring her birthday a state holiday, the state was filled with lighthearted tomfoolery.

Why it matters

April Fools' Day is a beloved tradition where people and organizations get to flex their creative muscles and have a bit of fun at the expense of the unsuspecting public. These kinds of harmless pranks help build community spirit and bring levity to everyday life, especially after the past few challenging years.

The details

Some of the notable April Fools' stunts included the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office launching a 'C.O.O. Unit' (Community Observation Officers) to deputize local pigeons, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office updating its sirens to play 'Bad Boys' by Inner Circle, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham renaming several state buildings and declaring her birthday a new state holiday. Meanwhile, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced a bid to annex northern New Mexico and rebrand the state's famous chile as 'Pueblo chile'.

  • On April 1, 2026, various April Fools' Day pranks were shared across New Mexico.

The players

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that launched the 'C.O.O. Unit' to deputize pigeons as part of an April Fools' prank.

San Juan County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that announced it would update its sirens to play the song 'Bad Boys' by Inner Circle.

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The Governor of New Mexico who issued a proclamation renaming several state buildings and declaring her birthday a new state holiday as an April Fools' joke.

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado who announced a bid to annex northern New Mexico and rebrand the state's famous chile as part of an April Fools' prank.

University of New Mexico (UNM)

The state's flagship university that announced a new line of scented candles with fragrances inspired by campus life.

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The takeaway

New Mexicans proved they have a great sense of humor, with government agencies, universities, and even other state leaders getting in on the April Fools' Day fun. These lighthearted pranks helped bring some much-needed levity to the state and fostered a spirit of community during a challenging time.