3 identified after arrests at Dona Ana County commissioners meeting over Project Jupiter
Three individuals were arrested at a Dona Ana County commissioners meeting in New Mexico amidst escalating tensions surrounding the proposed Project Jupiter data center. Public comment ended with opponents feeling silenced, leading to shouting and arrests as critics raised concerns about water use and power demands.
Tensions erupted at a recent Dona Ana County commissioners meeting in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, leading to the arrest of three individuals amid heated public comment regarding the proposed Project Jupiter data center. Abegail Salug-Sugan, 26, Orin Parnell, 50, of Las Cruces, and Kiki Garden, 33, also of Las Cruces, face charges including resisting or obstructing and disorderly conduct. The arrests occurred after the county commission ended public comment, with several attendees opposing the project continuing to shout, feeling they were not allowed to speak.
Many of those removed were part of the "Stop Project Jupiter" movement, which argues that local residents have not been adequately heard. The controversial Project Jupiter data center has faced continuous pushback for months, particularly concerning its projected water use and power demands, despite proponents highlighting its promised economic benefits. Following the contentious public comment period, Project Jupiter representatives presented information on job creation, water usage, and environmental impacts. Critics, however, stated they left the meeting with many unanswered questions that they have been posing for months. An earlier report mentioned that Oracle, associated with Project Jupiter, has brought in nearly $80 million in taxes and projects 7,000 jobs.