Judge Dismisses Trespassing Charges Against Migrants in New Mexico Military Zone
Las Cruces, NM — A U.S. judge has recently dismissed trespassing charges against dozens of migrants apprehended in a military zone established along the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a significant legal setback for the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth ruled that the government could not prove that the migrants were aware they were entering a designated military zone. This area, established as part of the Trump administration’s strategy to combat undocumented immigration, carries heightened penalties for trespassing. Although 400 cases have been filed in Las Cruces related to these security violations, Wormuth found the evidence insufficient to justify the charges.
“The criminal complaint fails to establish probable cause to believe the defendant knew he/she was entering” the military zone, Wormuth stated in his orders. This ruling comes amidst ongoing criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue that the administration’s use of military zones undermines constitutional protections.
The first of these military zones, named the “New Mexico National Defense Area,” was established in April and spans approximately 180 miles along the border. Additional zones have since been introduced, including one near El Paso, Texas. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that violators should expect severe legal repercussions, potentially facing sentences of up to 10 years.
The Trump administration, represented by U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, contends that these zones are essential for national security. However, public defenders argue that the lack of clear signage and communication about the military zones rendered it unjust to prosecute the apprehended migrants for trespassing. While the trespassing charges have been dismissed, the migrants still face lesser accusations of illegal border crossing.
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