New Mexico Launches Probe into Epstein's Zorro Ranch

Bipartisan committee to investigate alleged sex trafficking and abuse at Epstein's 7,600-acre property

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:47am

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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 identify ranch guests and state officials 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 also implicate additional politicians, scientists, investors, and other high-profile individuals linked to Epstein in the Democratic-run state.

The details

The so-called 'truth commission' will have subpoena power to compel testimony and identify those who may have been involved or aware of the alleged abuse at the 7,600-acre ranch. The $2.5 million investigation aims to close gaps in New Mexico law that may have allowed Epstein to operate in the state. Testimony could be used for future prosecutions, and the committee will deliver interim findings in July and a final report by the end of the year.

  • The legislation passed New Mexico's House of Representatives by a unanimous vote on February 16, 2026.
  • The committee will start 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

New Mexico Legislature

The state legislature that passed the legislation to launch the investigation into Epstein's Zorro Ranch.

Jeffrey Epstein

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

Andrea Romero

A Democratic state representative in New Mexico who co-sponsored the initiative for the investigation.

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

“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

“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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any additional politicians or individuals linked to Epstein to testify before the truth commission.

The takeaway

This investigation into Epstein's activities at Zorro Ranch represents a significant step in uncovering the full scope of his alleged crimes and the potential involvement of local and state officials in New Mexico. The findings could lead to further prosecutions and reforms to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.