In the week ending August 29, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico reported new criminal charges related to immigration and border enforcement. The office worked with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and other agencies.
According to the report, 42 individuals were charged with illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. 1326. Six people faced charges of alien smuggling under 8 U.S.C. 1324. Another 23 individuals were charged with illegal entry under 8 U.S.C. 1325.
Additionally, there were 56 cases involving illegal entry combined with violations of military security regulations (50 U.S.C. 797) and entering restricted military property (18 U.S.C. 1382). These cases stemmed from incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many defendants charged with illegal reentry had previous convictions for drug trafficking or prior illegal entries.
“These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” according to officials from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
The office clarified that these statistics reflect only prosecutions brought by its staff and do not include individuals processed administratively by immigration authorities.
Officials said public safety and border security remain top priorities for their office leadership. Increased enforcement efforts at both border areas and within New Mexico have led to arrests involving people suspected or convicted of crimes such as human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence against children.
The District covers all 33 counties in New Mexico and includes a shared international border with Mexico stretching about 180 miles. Prosecutors based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces continue to work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on these cases.
