The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has released its weekly report on immigration enforcement activity. The report covers cases prosecuted in collaboration with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and other federal, state, and county agencies.
During the week ending February 13, 2026, authorities charged 66 individuals with illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. 1326. Four people were charged with alien smuggling under 8 U.S.C. 1324. In addition, there were 55 charges for illegal entry under 8 U.S.C. 1325.
Thirty-three individuals faced charges of illegal entry combined with violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property, following incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had previous criminal convictions related to drug trafficking.
According to the office, these prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, described as “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.”
The statistics reflect only prosecutions by the District’s U.S. Attorney’s Office and do not account for individuals processed administratively by immigration officials.
The office stated: “Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.”
The District encompasses 33 counties along a stretch that includes approximately 180 miles bordering Mexico. Prosecutors based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces coordinate closely with law enforcement partners to pursue immigration-related offenses as well as other federal crimes.
