The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has refused to release unredacted files on Jeffrey Epstein to New Mexico officials, escalating a dispute over the state's criminal probe into the late financier's alleged abuses. The DOJ cited federal law, court orders, and privacy protections as reasons for withholding the documents, while New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accused the agency of obstructing the investigation.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The DOJ stated on Wednesday that it cannot provide unredacted files requested by New Mexico due to legal restrictions. Torrez had previously accused the DOJ of deliberately obstructing the state's probe by providing only redacted or publicly available documents. The state reopened its investigation in February, focusing on Epstein's former ranch near Santa Fe, where he is accused of abusing women and girls for nearly three decades.
Deeper Dive and Context
DOJ's Legal Justifications
The DOJ spokesperson emphasized that federal law, court orders, and privacy protections prevent the release of unredacted documents. The agency has followed existing legal frameworks in responding to New Mexico's requests.
New Mexico's Response
Torrez's office received only 31 pages of documents in July, most of which were already public or contained redacted material. The state legislature is also investigating Epstein's case, with a subpoena issued to U.S. attorneys' offices in three states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The legislature's "Truth Commission" is expected to release an interim report this month.
Ongoing Investigations
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated during a Senate confirmation hearing that the DOJ has no closed investigations related to Epstein. He vowed to pursue new suspects if evidence emerges, rejecting claims that the department has neglected victims. The DOJ has met with representatives of over 30 victims since the review began.
Political and Public Scrutiny
The DOJ's handling of the Epstein files has faced criticism, particularly from some of President Donald Trump's supporters. Blanche defended the department's review, which concluded in July 2025 that no evidence of a "client list" belonging to Epstein was found. The review also determined there was no basis for further public disclosures.