Otermín was appointed governor of New Mexico in 1678. On August 9, 1680, two Pueblo leaders of the Galisteo Basin, allies of the Spanish, sent to Otermín the news of a rebellion of the Pueblo Amerindian against the Spanish. According to the message were two men from Tesuque who planned the attack on the Spanish cities and Franciscan missions. Because of that, he ordered the arrest of the messengers of the people. When the news about the arrest of the messengers was spread among the Pueblo, Popé decided to execute the plan of vengeance immediately. In the Pueblo Revolt, Popé's forces besieged Santa Fe, surrounding the city and cutting off its water supply.