In the week ending March 6, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico reported a series of prosecutions related to immigration and border crimes. The cases were handled in collaboration with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and other agencies at various government levels.
During this period, 47 individuals faced charges for illegal reentry after deportation under federal law. Five people were charged with alien smuggling. Additionally, 22 individuals were prosecuted for illegal entry into the United States.
A separate group of 49 individuals was charged with illegal entry as well as violations involving military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military, naval, or Coast Guard property. These charges are linked to incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
According to officials, many defendants charged with illegal reentry had prior convictions for serious offenses such as second degree murder, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, vehicle theft, fraud involving immigration documents, possession of a firearm by an alien, and previous immigration-related crimes.
These prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America. As stated in the announcement: "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."
The office clarified that these statistics only cover criminal prosecutions by their office and do not include those processed administratively by immigration authorities.
Officials emphasized that public safety and border security remain top priorities for their district. They noted that increased enforcement efforts have led to apprehensions involving individuals engaged in unlawful activity or those with serious criminal histories such as human trafficking or violence against children.
The District of New Mexico covers 33 counties and shares about 180 miles of border with Mexico. Prosecutors based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces coordinate closely with law enforcement partners at all levels to address immigration-related offenses.
