With over 28 years of law enforcement and public service experience, Minerva Torres Shelton will bring leadership, accountability, and trust to the El Paso County Judge’s Office. In 1997, Minerva began her career with the El Paso Police Department. She served her community patrolling the streets of El Paso and responding and managing many types emergencies. However, she decided to increase her law enforcement involvement by stepping into the federal sector and on September 11, 2001, Minerva joined the FBI. During her 21 years with the FBI, she gained extensive experience investigating violent crimes, human trafficking, financial crimes, counterterrorism, gangs, drug trafficking, and serving on the Joint Terrorism Task Force. She retired as a Field Supervisor in the El Paso office after leading some of the Bureau’s most complex operations.
Minerva has worked side by side with state and federal governments, coordinating investigations and emergency responses at the highest levels. She led one of the FBI’s largest operations involving 56 FBI field offices nationwide, which required managing more than a million dollar budget and ensuring accountability at every step. As a supervisor during the Walmart tragedy, she coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders, gaining firsthand experience in emergency management. She also supervised undercover operations, which sharpened her ability to prepare, adapt, and respond to rapidly evolving situations. These skills are vital for a County Judge responsible for county covering multiple communities, complex fiscal challenges and disaster response preparedness.
“I love El Paso. This is my city, my home, and you are my family. I have seen how backroom deals have often taken priority over the needs of our people. As your County Judge, I will put an end to this way of doing business. I will fight for transparency in every decision, ensure emergency response is audited and tested, and demand that taxpayer dollars go to solving real problems, not vanity projects.
Together, with my unmatched experience and your trust, we can restore accountability in county government and build a stronger, more promising community for El Pasoans.”
