New Mexico AG accuses DOJ of withholding Epstein files for 130+ days
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez accuses DOJ of withholding unredacted Epstein files over 130 days.
Why it matters: This dispute highlights growing tensions between state and federal legal authorities during high-profile investigations, impacting perceptions of interagency cooperation and transparency.
- On July 9, 2026, NM Attorney General Raúl Torrez publicly accused the DOJ of withholding unredacted documents related to Epstein's Zorro Ranch.
- The NMDOJ requested these files over 130 days prior but received no substantive response despite verbal assurances from the DOJ.
- NMDOJ reopened its criminal investigation into Epstein activities at Zorro Ranch in February 2026 and conducted a ranch search in March.
- The DOJ claims it has responded to requests and stands ready to assist New Mexico's investigation.
On July 9, 2026, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez publicly accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of withholding unredacted files critical to the state's ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's activities at Zorro Ranch.
Despite the NMDOJ's initial request for these records more than 130 days earlier, Torrez stated: "Despite verbal assurances of cooperation from the USDOJ, access to the requested records has not been granted, no substantive response has been provided." He added, "Every day that the USDOJ withholds these records, the foundation upon which a New Mexico prosecution could be built erodes."
The state's renewed focus dates back to February 2026, when the NMDOJ reopened its criminal investigation after the release of previously sealed FBI files. In March 2026, investigators conducted a search of Zorro Ranch as part of efforts to uncover evidence.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has maintained a position of cooperation. According to a DOJ spokesperson, the department "welcomes New Mexico undertaking additional investigation of the Zorro Ranch and stands ready to provide necessary assistance." However, the lack of unredacted files has caused friction between federal and state authorities.
This ongoing dispute underscores broader tensions that can arise when state prosecutors seek access to sensitive federal materials during high-profile cases. Transparency and interagency cooperation remain central to the effectiveness of such investigations, especially when multiple jurisdictions are involved.
By the numbers:
- 130+ days — NMDOJ’s wait time for unredacted Epstein-related records from DOJ
- February 2026 — NMDOJ reopened criminal investigation into Epstein's Zorro Ranch activities
- March 2026 — NMDOJ conducted a search of Zorro Ranch