New Mexico Approves Probe of Epstein's Zorro Ranch

Lawmakers launch investigation into alleged sex trafficking and abuse at late financier's property

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New Mexico lawmakers have passed legislation to launch a comprehensive investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch, where the late sex offender is accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting girls and women. A bipartisan committee will seek testimony from survivors and examine ties between Epstein and state officials, as well as identify other guests and individuals who may have been involved or aware of the alleged abuse.

Why it matters

The investigation adds to the growing political pressure to uncover Epstein's crimes, which have become a major challenge for the current administration. The probe could lead to further prosecutions and shed light on how Epstein was able to allegedly operate with impunity in the state for decades.

The details

The $2.5 million investigation, which has subpoena power, aims to close gaps in New Mexico law that may have allowed Epstein to operate at the 7,600-acre Zorro Ranch. The committee will deliver interim findings in July and a final report by the end of the year. Testimony could be used for future prosecutions, and the probe will examine ties between Epstein and former Democratic governors and an attorney general of New Mexico.

  • The legislation passed the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously on February 16, 2026.
  • The committee starts work on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The committee will deliver interim findings in July 2026.
  • The committee will deliver a final report by the end of 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

The late U.S. sex offender who is accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting girls and women at his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.

Andrea Romero

A Democratic state representative in New Mexico who co-sponsored the initiative to investigate Epstein's Zorro Ranch.

Marianna Anaya

A Democratic state representative in New Mexico who co-sponsored the legislation and is working on accompanying legislation to extend the state's statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault.

Hector Balderas

The former New Mexico Attorney General who launched a probe into Zorro Ranch in 2019 that was put on hold at the request of federal prosecutors.

Raul Torrez

The current New Mexico Attorney General who has assigned a special agent to probe allegations that may come through the truth commission.

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What they’re saying

“He was basically doing anything he wanted in this state without any accountability whatsoever.”

— Andrea Romero, New Mexico State Representative (Reuters)

“Many of the survivors had experiences in New Mexico, and as we've learned, you know, there were local politicians and other people that were aware of what was happening in New Mexico.”

— Sigrid McCawley, Attorney representing Epstein survivors (Reuters)

“I deferred to the due diligence of the institutions involved, assuming that his presence signaled he had been appropriately vetted. I feel a deep sense of grief for the survivors of his crimes.”

— Joshua Ramo, Investment consultant (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the truth commission to have subpoena power to compel testimony.

The takeaway

This investigation into Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico represents a significant step forward in uncovering the full extent of his alleged crimes and the network of enablers who may have allowed him to operate with impunity in the state for decades. The findings could lead to further prosecutions and reforms to prevent such abuses from happening again.