New Mexico Investigates Epstein’s Zorro Ranch for Sex Trafficking Allegations

New Mexico Launches Sweeping Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch

New Mexico lawmakers have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities that occurred at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch, located approximately 30 miles south of Santa Fe. The bipartisan effort aims to uncover the full extent of alleged trafficking and sexual abuse that took place at the sprawling 7,600-acre property.

The investigation, authorized by legislation that passed the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously on Monday, February 16, 2026, will seek testimony from survivors of alleged abuse and local residents. A bipartisan committee will have subpoena power to compel testimony and gather evidence, according to state Representative Andrea Romero (D).

“It’s critical that the first full investigation into what happened at the ranch provides a platform to uncover the truth about what happened there and for survivors to see justice,” Romero told Axios.

Epstein purchased the ranch in 1993 and developed it into a luxurious estate featuring a large mansion and guest houses. He died in August 2019 while in custody awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The investigation comes after the recent release of millions of pages of Epstein-related files by the Justice Department, which revealed connections between Epstein and several prominent figures, including two former Democratic governors and an attorney general of New Mexico. These revelations have added to the political pressure to fully investigate the activities that occurred at Zorro Ranch.

Romero emphasized the importance of addressing what she described as years of “mishandling” and a failure to adequately investigate the allegations surrounding the ranch. She stated that the bipartisan nature of the committee will ensure an objective investigation.

“There were clearly activities that took place here under the guise of Jeffrey Epstein… and other perpetrators,” Romero said in a Monday evening phone interview.

The “Truth Commission” established by the legislation will focus on identifying individuals who may have been involved in or had knowledge of the alleged abuse, including ranch guests and state officials. Romero vowed that the committee would publicly name suspected perpetrators.

While the statute of limitations may have expired in some cases, Romero indicated that state lawmakers are considering changes to legislation to potentially aid survivors in seeking justice. The committee aims to gather information that could be used in future legal proceedings.

The investigation is being funded with $2.5 million and is expected to submit an interim report to state House leadership by July 31, 2026, with a final report due by December 31, 2026.

Separately, the New Mexico Department of Justice has requested unredacted access to a 2019 anonymous email alleging that two “foreign girls” were buried at Zorro Ranch. This request follows a similar inquiry initiated last week.

Don Huffines, a Texas state comptroller candidate, recently announced his purchase of the property and stated his intention to rename it San Rafael and transform it into a Christian retreat. Huffines has indicated he would cooperate fully with New Mexico officials if they seek to search the property.

The House bill establishing the investigatory subcommittee was sponsored by Representatives Romero and Marianna Anaya (D), as well as Representatives Andrea Reeb and Bill Hall (R). The resolution states that the New Mexico House is “concerned that the failure to investigate the alleged criminal activity at Zorro ranch and the risk of potential consequences of that activity continue to affect the safety and welfare of the state and that continued legislative inaction threatens public confidence in state government.”