Fallout grows from rambunctious — and physical — Project Jupiter meeting
Fallout is escalating from a contentious public meeting regarding Project Jupiter, a divisive data center development in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. A security guard faces potential criminal charges for allegedly pushing a protester, and four demonstrators plan to sue the county and its security contractor for alleged civil rights violations. Activists are also calling for the resignation of the County Commission chair over restricted public input.
The aftermath of a recent public meeting concerning Project Jupiter, a data center development in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, is intensifying. A private security guard, Greg Maddox of Security Concepts, is being referred to the District Attorney's Office for felony assault charges after allegedly pushing a protester, Abegail Salugsugan, to the ground during the July 28 meeting.
Las Cruces lawyer Israel Chávez, representing four demonstrators including Salugsugan, plans to file a tort claim notice against Doña Ana County and Security Concepts. Chávez alleges violations of free speech, protest rights, access to government, freedom from excessive force, and wrongful arrest. Activists, including the group Stop Project Jupiter, are also demanding the resignation of Doña Ana County Commission Chair Manny Sanchez for limiting public comment at the meeting, where supporters of the project were prioritized.
Project Jupiter is part of the larger Stargate initiative, a $500 billion, four-year plan to build AI infrastructure for companies such as Oracle and OpenAI. STACK Infrastructure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure leaders have promised 7,000 jobs, a $4.7 billion state economic impact, and a commitment to using natural gas fuel cells and avoiding public drinking water. The project still faces regulatory hurdles, including approval for a natural gas pipeline and an air quality permit, with a public hearing on the latter moved to September 14. Opponents criticize the project's opacity and potential environmental impact, while proponents highlight economic benefits. Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart expressed concerns about the security measures at the meeting, stating that Security Concepts operates outside her office's purview.