In its weekly update, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico reported on recent immigration enforcement activities. The office collaborates with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and other federal, state, and county agencies.
For the week ending January 16, 2026, prosecutors charged 60 individuals with illegal reentry after deportation, six with alien smuggling, and 58 with illegal entry. Additionally, 18 people faced charges related to illegal entry as well as violations involving military security regulations and entering restricted military property in connection to a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
According to the office, many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had prior convictions for crimes such as sexual assault, drug trafficking, or earlier immigration offenses.
A notable case involved Denis Houston Puente-Rios, who was charged both with illegally re-entering the country and assaulting a female border patrol agent during his arrest. According to officials: "While the agent was trying to handcuff Defendant, he wrestled with her until they fell to the ground where Defendant pinned her arms to the ground. The agent eventually broke free and struck Defendant with a rock." The defendant has a criminal history that includes a domestic disturbance.
The office highlighted efforts to protect law enforcement personnel at the border. In Fiscal Year 2025, there were 88 reported assaults on El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents—a decrease from 103 in Fiscal Year 2024. Officials stated: "U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel."
The report noted that these figures reflect only prosecutions by this office; administrative apprehensions by immigration authorities are not included.
Leadership emphasized that public safety and border security remain top priorities for New Mexico’s district. Enhanced enforcement measures have resulted in identifying individuals engaged in unlawful activity or those with serious criminal histories including human trafficking and violent offenses against children.
The District of New Mexico covers 33 counties along 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces coordinate closely with law enforcement partners at all levels on immigration-related cases.
