Deputy Cabinet Secretary Accused in Domestic Violence Incident in Albuquerque

New Mexico –

On March 26, 2026, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department responded to an alleged domestic violence call at a residence on 14th Street SW with New Mexico Deputy Cabinet Secretary Danielle Gilliam from the Environment Department.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim told APD officers that Danielle Gilliam, who appeared intoxicated and agitated, became confrontational after calling her home. Gilliam claimed something happened at the residence, and the victim needed to come home immediately. Gilliam is the Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Operations for the State of New Mexico Environment Department.

The situation escalated when Gilliam became upset and believed the victim did not care about her. Gilliam began yelling, prompting the victim to retreat into a room and close the door. It was further reported in the complaint that Gilliam then opened the door and knocked a phone out of the victim’s hand.

Later, Gilliam’s brother arrived at the residence in an attempt to deescalate things and assist Gilliam in gathering her belongings. During this time, Gilliam grew increasingly agitated and stood in front of the door with her arms spread, blocking the victim from leaving.

After the altercation between Gilliam and her brother ended, the victim told police that Gilliam turned toward her, squared up, and struck her in the face with a closed fist, hitting her face.

The complaint says officers arrived and reviewed video evidence provided by the purported victim.

Gilliam denied the allegations, but APD determined there was sufficient evidence to place her under arrest. As of this posting, she was charged with False Imprisonment and Battery (household member). She was booked into MDC on Thursday, March 26 at 3:52 AM.

Per the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) their “mission Is to protect and restore the environment and to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations.”

We reached out to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for comment, and we will update this story if her office responds to our inquiry.