U.S. Charges Migrants for Crossing New Military Zone Along Mexico Border

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated its first criminal prosecutions against migrants for entering a newly established military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. At least 28 individuals were charged in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for illegally crossing into the 170-mile-long, 60-foot-wide restricted area, which is patrolled by active-duty U.S. troops. This area was designated as the New Mexico National Defense Area on April 18, following the transfer of 110,000 acres of federal land to the U.S. Army. The zone overlaps with routes commonly used by migrants to enter the U.S. without official documentation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the area as a "national defense area," equating it to a military base, and emphasized that unauthorized entry would be treated as trespassing on military property. While U.S. troops have not yet physically detained any migrants, the law mandates that any detained individuals be handed over to civilian authorities. The establishment of this zone is part of the Trump administration's expanded border security efforts, which include deploying thousands of troops, armored vehicles, and surveillance technology.​

Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, have raised concerns about constitutional rights and the potential for U.S. citizens living nearby to be affected. The ACLU warns that the militarization of the border undermines civil liberties by extending military powers into civilian law enforcement.

Currently, approximately 11,900 troops are deployed along the U.S. Southwest border, where illegal crossings have recently declined to record lows. Secretary Hegseth has indicated plans to expand military zones at other sites along the U.S. border to add an extra line of defense against irregular migration. He emphasized that migrants attempting to cross into these zones could face serious legal consequences, including potential felony charges.​

This development marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, raising questions about the balance between national security and individual rights.


By WafricNews Desk | April 29, 2025