The Justice Department on Wednesday rejected New Mexico’s demand for unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files, saying federal law prevents it from handing over millions of sensitive documents, deepening a bitter standoff over the disgraced financier’s sprawling abuse network.
The clash erupted after New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accused the Trump administration of stonewalling the state’s renewed criminal investigation into Epstein’s activities at his sprawling ranch outside Santa Fe.
“Federal law, court orders, and privacy protections for victims and witnesses do not allow us to release millions of unredacted documents,” a Justice Department spokesperson said. “We will continue to follow federal law and the court orders that are in place.”
Torrez reopened the investigation in February, focusing on allegations that Epstein abused women and girls at his New Mexico ranch for nearly three decades.
The attorney general said his office requested unredacted federal records but received only 31 pages on July 10 that largely consisted of previously released material, heavily redacted documents and photocopies of local newspaper stories.
In a sharply worded letter made public Tuesday, Torrez accused the Justice Department of obstructing the state’s investigation by failing to provide meaningful records.
New Mexico officials pushed back again on Wednesday, arguing that federal prosecutors routinely ask courts to modify protective orders so that evidence can be shared with state investigators.
“That’s what real cooperation means,” New Mexico Justice Department spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez said.
The dispute adds to mounting pressure on the Trump administration over the government’s handling of Epstein records. Survivors and advocates have continued demanding the full release of federal files, while Trump has said the country should move on from the case.
The fight extends beyond the attorney general’s office. New Mexico lawmakers are conducting their own investigation and last month subpoenaed U.S. attorneys’ offices in New Mexico, Florida, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking records of past Epstein investigations and decisions not to bring charges.
The legislature’s Truth Commission is expected to release an interim report later this month. Torrez has not announced any findings from his criminal investigation.