The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced on March 13 its immigration enforcement statistics for the week, detailing a range of criminal charges brought in partnership with federal, state, and county agencies.
The report highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal entry and related crimes along New Mexico’s border. The office said that public safety and border security remain top priorities under current leadership, with enhanced enforcement measures targeting individuals engaged in unlawful activity or those with serious criminal histories.
During the one-week period ending March 13, authorities charged 75 individuals with illegal reentry after deportation, five with alien smuggling, and 31 with illegal entry. Additionally, 73 people faced charges related to illegal entry combined with violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property. Many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had prior convictions for offenses such as aggravated assault, narcotics trafficking, theft, aggravated DUI, and previous immigration violations.
A notable case involved Jesus Meza Lopez, a Mexican citizen who was stopped by law enforcement officers working with Homeland Security Investigations. Officers found 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 100 grams of fentanyl, and a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol in his vehicle. Lopez was charged with illegal reentry, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 16.
These prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The statistics reflect only cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico; they do not include individuals processed administratively by immigration officials.
The District covers all 33 counties in New Mexico and shares approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces work closely with law enforcement partners to prosecute these cases.
