New Mexico Downwinders | Radar 2022

The Forgotten Victims of the Trinity Test00:00:03

Residents living near the 1945 Trinity site, the location of the world's first nuclear detonation, describe a legacy of cancer and illness that they attribute to radioactive fallout from the top-secret project.

The Flaws of RECA Compensation00:02:11

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides support to some exposed populations, but the Tularosa Basin downwinders have been excluded, fueling demands for federal accountability.

Legislative Battles and Ongoing Risks00:03:23

Bipartisan efforts are underway to extend RECA and include New Mexico residents, though some politicians oppose the claims, prioritizing the strategic success of the historical nuclear test over the health of local communities.

A Call for Justice and Future Cleanup00:05:10

Advocates argue that the government prioritized secrecy over public safety, leaving vulnerable populations—including indigenous communities—without proper care or recognition, and emphasize the need for permanent compensation and environmental remediation.