The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has released its weekly report on immigration enforcement statistics. The report, covering the week ending March 7, 2025, details criminal charges filed in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso.
During this period, 52 individuals faced charges of illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. 1326. Additionally, eight individuals were charged with alien smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 23 were charged with illegal entry (8 U.S.C. 1325).
One notable case involved Isaias David Jose and Tomas Mateo Gaspar, who were charged with hostage-taking and harboring illegal aliens following a search by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office at a residence in Albuquerque. Agents discovered ten illegal aliens there, including a victim who reported being held for ransom by threats involving the “Mexican mafia.” This led to an FBI intervention and rescue operation.
In another investigation, Jose Ruiz-Gamez, Uzziel Carmona-Lopez, and Donaciano Carmona-Lopez were charged with being aliens in possession of firearms after a traffic stop by Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Police Department revealed two firearms in their vehicle. All three men are Mexican nationals unlawfully present in the United States.
A third case involved Roberto Rodrigo Velazquez-Lopez, who was charged after fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint with four illegal aliens hidden in his vehicle.
These prosecutions are exclusive to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and do not account for individuals handled through administrative processes by immigration enforcement officials.
"Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are top priorities for the District of New Mexico," stated an official release from the office. Enhanced enforcement efforts have targeted those engaged in unlawful activities or possessing serious criminal histories within the district's jurisdiction.
The District of New Mexico comprises 33 counties and shares a border spanning 180 miles with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces collaborate closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address immigration-related offenses.
