In the week ending March 6, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico reported its latest immigration enforcement actions. The office, working with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, as well as other agencies at various levels, brought criminal charges against a number of individuals for border-related offenses.
According to official figures, 47 people were charged with illegal reentry after deportation under federal law. Five individuals faced charges related to alien smuggling. Another 22 were charged with illegal entry into the United States. Additionally, 49 people were charged with illegal entry in connection with violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property in relation to a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many defendants accused of illegal reentry had previous convictions for crimes such as second degree murder, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, vehicle theft, fraud involving immigration documents, possession of a firearm by an alien, and prior immigration offenses.
“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 the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The office clarified that these statistics only reflect prosecutions handled by their office and do not include individuals processed through administrative procedures alone.
Officials emphasized ongoing priorities: “Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.”
The District covers all 33 counties in New Mexico and shares approximately 180 miles along its southern border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces coordinate closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners on these cases.
