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Federal drug raid in Los Angeles targets open-air drug market in MacArthur Park
In a significant crackdown on drug operations, Fox News correspondent Matt Finn reports from Los Angeles on a large-scale federal raid at MacArthur Park, an area infamously known for being an open-air drug market dominated by gang activity. During the operation, agents confiscated 40 pounds of fentanyl, a quantity capable of producing 190,000 lethal doses, with an estimated street value between $8 million and $10 million. Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, took the opportunity to criticize California’s ineffective drug policies in the wake of this substantial seizure.
Meanwhile, authorities on Friday revealed the cause behind the hospitalization of over a dozen first responders who attended to a New Mexico residence, where a tragic suspected overdose resulted in three fatalities.
Officials confirmed that first responders were exposed to fentanyl upon entering a home in Mountainair, New Mexico. There, they discovered four individuals unresponsive.
Two of these individuals were declared dead at the scene, and a third succumbed to their condition at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Fortunately, one person managed to survive the ordeal.
During a press briefing, New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom stated, “Preliminary findings suggest that the incident is linked to exposure to a powdered opioid substance in the home. On-scene DEA laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, also known as P4 fentanyl.”
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CRIME-RIDDEN COUNTY
New Mexico State Police respond to a home in Mountainair, N.M., where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
“It’s a more illicit form or version of fentanyl,” he added.
Authorities said the drugs were found in powder form.
Officials said 25 people were exposed to the substance, with 20 hospitalized for treatment before being released.
ROBERT DE NIRO’S GRANDSON’S OVERDOSE DEATH LEADS TO FIVE ARRESTS
New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom, center, provides updates during a news conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, May 22, 2026, about an investigation into the deaths of three people in Torrance County and a potential fentanyl exposure for first responders who answered the call. (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo)
Two individuals remain hospitalized after arriving in serious condition, police said.
Authorities identified two of the people who died as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49.
Both the survivor and one of the deceased were administered the overdose medication Narcan.
FENTANYL EXPOSURE SCARE FORCES COURTROOM EVACUATION DURING ACTIVE TRIAL
A New Mexico State Police vehicle blocks off a neighborhood in Mountainair, N.M., where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
Authorities said numerous first responders began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
“These men and women responded to a dangerous situation while working to protect lives and secure the scene,” Broom said. “We especially recognize the first responders who became sick while carrying out their duties.”
Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said firefighters did not enter the home wearing hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to require it.
He added officials would review the response procedures moving forward.
A hazardous materials team investigates a chemical exposure site during an ongoing investigation. (KRQE)
“I mean, we’re only as good as our last call, right?” Smith said. “There’ll be multiple debriefings that we’re going to be doing over the next week or two to find out where our strengths were and where our weaknesses were.”
The incident remains under investigation.
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