In its latest weekly report, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has detailed immigration enforcement activity for the week ending January 23, 2026. The office collaborates with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, along with support from various federal, state, and county agencies.
During this period, 35 individuals were charged with illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. 1326. Nine people faced charges related to alien smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324). Authorities also charged 48 individuals with illegal entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), while an additional 11 defendants were charged with illegal entry as well as violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property arising from incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
According to the office, many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had prior criminal convictions that included child sexual assault, DUI, alien smuggling, statutory rape, and previous immigration offenses.
These cases are prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America. "Operation Take Back America is 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 a statement released by the office.
The statistics reflect only prosecutions handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for New Mexico and do not include those processed administratively by immigration officials.
The district emphasizes public safety and border security as its primary objectives. Enhanced enforcement efforts have led to arrests involving individuals suspected or convicted of serious crimes such as human trafficking and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico covers 33 counties and includes approximately 180 miles along the international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces work closely with law enforcement partners at all levels to prosecute federal offenses related to immigration.
