In its latest weekly report, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has released statistics on immigration and border-related criminal prosecutions for the week ending January 16, 2026. The office works in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and other agencies at various levels.
According to the report, 60 people were charged with illegal reentry after deportation under federal law (8 U.S.C. 1326). Six individuals faced charges related to alien smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324). Another 58 people were prosecuted for illegal entry (8 U.S.C. 1325).
Additionally, there were 18 cases involving illegal entry that also included violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property, stemming from incidents at a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
The report notes that many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had previous convictions for crimes such as sexual assault, drug trafficking, or prior immigration offenses.
One highlighted case involved Denis Houston Puente-Rios, who was charged with illegally re-entering the country and assaulting a female border patrol agent during his arrest attempt. The incident escalated when “while the agent was trying to handcuff Defendant, he wrestled with her until they fell to the ground where Defendant pinned her arms to the ground. The agent eventually broke free and struck Defendant with a rock.” Puente-Rios reportedly has a history involving domestic disturbances.
The office emphasized ongoing efforts to protect law enforcement officers working on border security. “During Fiscal Year 2025, 88 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents were assaulted, down from 103 assaults in Fiscal Year 2024,” according to their statement. The U.S. Border Patrol is working closely with both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office “to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice.” Officials stressed that this cooperation is essential for protecting personnel and deterring attacks on law enforcement at the border.
These prosecution numbers reflect only cases handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for New Mexico and do not include individuals processed through administrative channels by immigration authorities.
Officials stated that “under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico.” Enhanced enforcement efforts have resulted in identifying individuals engaged in serious criminal activity including human trafficking and violent offenses against children.
The District of New Mexico includes 33 counties and shares approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces coordinate directly with law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions to prosecute these offenses.
