The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has released its weekly report on immigration and border-related crimes. The report covers criminal prosecutions for the week ending February 27, 2026, and highlights ongoing efforts in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and various federal, state, and county agencies.
During this one-week period, authorities charged 72 individuals with illegal reentry after deportation. Ten people faced charges related to alien smuggling. Sixty-one individuals were charged with illegal entry. An additional 80 people were charged with illegal entry as well as violations involving military security regulations and entering restricted military property, stemming from incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, many defendants charged under 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior convictions for serious offenses such as fleeing an accident causing death or injury, possession of a firearm by an alien, and previous immigration violations.
The report also describes an incident involving Jose Cuyuch De Paz near Sunland Park, New Mexico. De Paz was encountered by Border Patrol agents after crossing into the United States illegally on foot. When agents tried to detain him, he fled through residential yards before being apprehended following a struggle in which he allegedly kicked an agent multiple times in the chest while resisting arrest. De Paz is facing charges of illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer but has denied striking or kicking the agent.
So far in Fiscal Year 2026, there have been 18 reported assaults against El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents. This follows 88 such assaults recorded during Fiscal Year 2025. The U.S. Border Patrol is working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to prosecute those who attack federal officers.
“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 a statement from officials.
The statistics released only reflect prosecutions brought by the United States Attorney’s Office for New Mexico; they do not include individuals processed solely through administrative channels by immigration enforcement agencies.
Officials emphasized that public safety and border security remain top priorities for the district under current leadership. Enhanced enforcement efforts have led to arrests involving individuals engaged in unlawful activity or those with significant criminal histories including human trafficking and violence against children.
New Mexico shares approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico across its 33 counties. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces continue working alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on these matters.
