Lawmakers Praise Search of Epstein's Former New Mexico Ranch

The search of the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch is a 'massive development' in the investigation, says state representative.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:11pm

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A New Mexico state representative is praising the recent search of Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch, calling it a 'massive development' in the investigation into alleged criminal activity at the sprawling 7,500-acre property. The search was conducted by the New Mexico Department of Justice, state police, and the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office. The property is now owned by a Republican who has renamed it the San Rafael Ranch and plans to turn it into a Christian retreat.

Why it matters

The search of Epstein's former ranch represents a significant step forward in the investigation into potential crimes committed by the convicted sex offender at the property. New Mexico authorities had previously been prevented from pursuing their own probe following Epstein's arrest in 2019, raising concerns that alleged wrongdoing at the ranch had gone uninvestigated.

The details

The New Mexico House of Representatives created a 'Truth Commission' last month to investigate allegations of criminal activity at the former Zorro Ranch. The four-member panel is authorized to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and receive testimony from alleged victims. The commission will release an interim report in July and a final review by the end of the year. The search was part of a criminal investigation announced by the New Mexico Department of Justice on February 19th.

  • The New Mexico House of Representatives created the 'Truth Commission' last month.
  • The commission will release an interim report in July 2026.
  • The commission will release a final review by the end of 2026.

The players

Andrea Romero

A Democratic state representative leading the bipartisan effort to investigate allegations of criminal activity at the former Zorro Ranch.

Don Huffines

A former Texas state senator who purchased the property in 2023 and plans to remodel it into a Christian retreat.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender who owned the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico until his death in 2019.

Bruce King

The former Democratic governor of New Mexico who sold the property to Epstein in 1993.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is a massive development and progress made on what folks have been asking for years—since 2019. We're welcoming the news that this is really happening finally. And of course, that information will get sent to the Truth Commission.”

— Andrea Romero, Democratic state representative

“At the time of the sale, it was marketed that the proceeds would go to the victims. It has since been confirmed by the estate's attorneys that proceeds from the sale benefited the victims.”

— Don Huffines, Former Texas state senator

“San Rafael Ranch thanks the New Mexico Department of Justice for taking a welcome step toward truth and justice. While political opponents and internet trolls have attempted to manufacture a smear campaign for their own monetary and political gain, the owners of San Rafael Ranch have been fully cooperating with the New Mexico DOJ's investigation into any possible wrongdoing by the property's former owner.”

— Attorney for San Rafael Ranch

What’s next

The Truth Commission will release an interim report in July 2026 and a final review by the end of 2026, detailing the findings of their independent investigation into alleged abuse at the former Zorro Ranch.

The takeaway

The search of Epstein's former New Mexico ranch represents a significant step forward in uncovering potential crimes committed at the property, which has long been shrouded in allegations of wrongdoing. The creation of a bipartisan 'Truth Commission' to investigate the matter further demonstrates the seriousness with which state authorities are approaching this case.