The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced on May 1 its immigration enforcement statistics for the past week. The office prosecutes these cases in partnership 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 one-week period ending May 1, a total of 50 individuals were charged with illegal reentry after deportation under federal law. Six individuals faced charges related to alien smuggling, while another 48 were charged with illegal entry into the United States. In addition, 61 individuals were charged with illegal entry as well as violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property connected to a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had prior criminal convictions that included indecent exposure to a minor, aggravated robbery, burglary, narcotics trafficking, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and previous immigration offenses.
According to the announcement: “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.”
The statistics released reflect only prosecutions by this U.S. Attorney’s Office; they do not include individuals who were apprehended by immigration enforcement officials but subjected solely to administrative processing rather than prosecution.
The office said public safety and border security remain top priorities for New Mexico under current leadership. Enhanced enforcement at both border points and within interior areas has led to arrests involving unlawful activity or serious criminal history such as human trafficking or violence against children. The District includes all 33 counties in New Mexico and shares approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico.
