New Mexico authorities launched a search of the Zorro Ranch, the remote property formerly owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, on March 9, 2026. The operation began Monday morning near Stanley, New Mexico, about 30 miles south of Santa Fe. The New Mexico Department of Justice led the search, with assistance from New Mexico State Police and Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez directed the action as part of an active criminal investigation into allegations of illegal activity at the ranch before Epstein’s death in 2019. The search examined the 7,560-acre high-desert property for evidence tied to claims of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation of women and girls. State officials stated the current owners cooperated fully and granted access. Ranch staff maintained professionalism during the process. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and ground any drones to prevent interference with the ongoing law enforcement operation.
The Zorro Ranch investigation traces back to Epstein’s purchase of the land in 1993 from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. Epstein expanded the property over the years, adding structures including a large main residence, guest houses, and an airstrip. He registered the ranch under corporate entities and used it as one of several secluded locations in his network. Victims in federal cases and civil lawsuits described being transported to the ranch, where they faced abuse by Epstein and associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell. Some accounts specified recruitment and trafficking of underage girls to the isolated site, far from public view.
- Key property features: large main residence, guest houses, airstrip
- Crimes alleged: sex trafficking, sexual abuse, exploitation of women and girls
- Involved individuals: Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell
- Location advantage: secluded and isolated from public view
New Mexico initially opened an investigation into Epstein’s activities at Zorro Ranch during former Attorney General Hector Balderas’s tenure. That probe examined potential state-level crimes involving Epstein and Maxwell. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York requested New Mexico close its case in 2019 to avoid complicating their ongoing federal sex-trafficking investigation against Epstein. New Mexico complied, and the state file remained dormant.
Epstein died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Officials ruled the death a suicide. Maxwell faced separate federal charges and received a 20-year prison sentence in 2022 for her role in recruiting and grooming victims.
Attention returned to Zorro Ranch in early 2026 after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of previously sealed investigative files related to Epstein. These documents contained new details about activities at the ranch and renewed public pressure on state officials to act. Revelations in the unsealed FBI files showed evidence warranting further examination of potential crimes in New Mexico.
Attorney General Torrez announced the reopening of the criminal investigation on February 19, 2026. His office cited the newly released federal materials as justification. Torrez stated:
“We will follow facts wherever they lead, evaluate jurisdictional issues, and collect any remaining relevant evidence.”
The New Mexico Department of Justice sought access to complete, unredacted federal case files and committed to collaboration with law enforcement partners.
We are taking a broad and comprehensive look at Zorro Ranch–related matters and working alongside the truth commission and law enforcement partners. We will follow the facts and keep the public informed. pic.twitter.com/FXoCKBZGeG
— New Mexico Department of Justice (@NewMexicoDOJ) February 19, 2026
The New Mexico Legislature established a bipartisan Epstein Truth Commission in February 2026 to probe possible public corruption that allowed Epstein to operate unchecked at the ranch for over two decades. The commission holds subpoena power and seeks testimony from survivors, local residents, and others with knowledge of events at Zorro Ranch.
The ranch changed ownership after Epstein’s death. Prominent Texas businessman and political candidate Don Huffines and his family purchased the property in recent years. Current owners provided voluntary cooperation for the March 9 search, distinguishing it from a forced raid.
Investigators focused on physical evidence that may have persisted despite the time lapse. The remote location, with vast open land and limited neighboring properties, allowed Epstein to maintain secrecy. Allegations included use of the airstrip for private flights bringing victims to the site. Some claims in public discussions referenced possible buried evidence or remains, though official statements have not confirmed such specifics. The search addressed core allegations of abuse and trafficking tied to Epstein’s operations.
- Investigation focus: physical evidence, potential buried remains, airstrip use
- Challenges: remote location, time lapse, prior under-examination
- Goal: address core allegations of abuse and trafficking
The operation marks the first known thorough state-led examination of the property since Epstein’s ownership ended. Prior federal efforts centered on New York and Florida properties, leaving New Mexico’s ranch under-examined. Victims have long described Zorro Ranch as a key site in the trafficking network, where isolation prevented escape or reporting.
New Mexico officials emphasized support for survivors and commitment to accountability. The Department of Justice maintains an active tip line for credible information related to Epstein’s New Mexico activities. The search represents a step toward addressing gaps in earlier probes and holding accountable those who enabled or participated in crimes at the ranch.
This renewed action exposes failures in prior handling of Epstein’s network and demands full transparency from all levels of government involved.
