New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department, demanding access to unredacted Jeffrey Epstein records that officials say are critical to the state's ongoing investigation into alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch, a remote property near Santa Fe. The 40-page complaint, which also names acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accuses the DOJ of “stonewalling” state efforts to uncover the full extent of Epstein's activities in New Mexico.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D) argues that the DOJ is withholding documents that could help identify witnesses, corroborate evidence, and determine whether Epstein's associates can still be held accountable under state law. “USDOJ and Acting Attorney General Blanche are refusing to facilitate the investigation of state law crimes by hiding information about Epstein and his co-conspirators from Attorney General Torrez and state law enforcement,” the complaint states, noting that New Mexico is “one of few jurisdictions that still may have an opportunity to hold Epstein’s associates accountable or otherwise provide some sense of justice to survivors.”
The lawsuit seeks a federal court order in the District of Columbia declaring the DOJ's actions unlawful and compelling the release of full, unredacted investigative files. Among the documents reportedly withheld is a 2019 email from an anonymous sender claiming that two girls were buried in the hills near the ranch. That email was sent to a New Mexico radio host months after Epstein died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, according to Reuters.
New Mexico reopened its Zorro Ranch investigation in February, and authorities have since searched the property. Torrez's office says it has made repeated requests for federal cooperation, but the DOJ has cited victim privacy concerns and protective orders in the Southern District of New York as reasons for not releasing the records. “The Epstein Files Transparency Act does not require, and the protective orders in place do not permit, disclosure of victim-identifying information carte blanche,” a DOJ spokesperson told The Hill, adding that the department is willing to assist “consistent with the law and binding court orders.”
Torrez dismissed those justifications, saying the DOJ's delay is “actively hurting our criminal investigation and delaying justice Epstein survivors deserve.” He also accused the DOJ of violating an agreement with the Southern District of New York, which had asked state investigators to pause their original inquiry until the federal probe concluded. “New Mexico had no reason in 2019 to believe federal law enforcement officials would breach their express assurances and deviate from historical practice just to block their state counterparts from successfully investigating child sexual abuse under state law,” the complaint asserts.
The legal battle comes as Blanche's nomination to lead the DOJ faces scrutiny, with some Epstein survivors criticizing lawmakers who have backed him. Meanwhile, a bipartisan special committee of New Mexico lawmakers has issued its first round of subpoenas as part of a separate probe into alleged illegal activity at Zorro Ranch.
The ranch is now owned by former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines (R), who purchased the property in 2023 with proceeds reportedly going to Epstein victims. Huffines, who is currently serving as acting Texas comptroller, plans to turn the ranch into a Christian retreat.
Torrez's office has emphasized that federal cooperation is essential to building a case. “New Mexico has a duty to protect survivors and investigate crimes committed in our state so that perpetrators can be held accountable,” he said in a statement. The DOJ, however, maintains that its position is legally sound. “Protecting victim privacy remains a top priority for the Department,” the spokesperson said.
This lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing national debate over Epstein's legacy and the handling of his records. As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how states access federal investigative materials in high-profile criminal probes. For now, the DOJ's response will be closely watched, especially given Blanche's contentious confirmation process and the political sensitivities surrounding Epstein-related matters.
