New Militarized Border Zone Spurs National Security Charges Against Hundreds of Immigrants

Since late April, several hundred immigrants have faced national security charges for unauthorized entry into a newly designated militarized zone along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico and western Texas, Arab News reported. The Department of Justice’s new approach involves transferring oversight of a border strip to the US military, with troops authorized to temporarily detain immigrants, although Customs and Border Protection continues to conduct arrests.

The militarized zones, managed by US Army commands from Fort Bliss in Texas and Fort Huachuca in Arizona, impose national security charges carrying potential prison sentences of up to 18 months, in addition to six months for illegal entry. The impact of these charges on migrants seeking legal status through federal immigration courts remains unclear.

Approximately 400 cases have been filed in criminal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where federal public defenders seek dismissal of misdemeanor charges related to trespassing in restricted military areas.

US Attorney Ryan Ellison stated that numerous warning signs in English and Spanish have been posted along New Mexico’s border. He emphasized that immigrants who cross outside legal ports of entry are willfully violating federal law and military regulations.

Civil liberties advocates warn the militarization restricts basic freedoms and impacts border communities. Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich expressed concern over the military’s authority to detain civilians in areas formerly used for recreation and ranching. Defense officials have vowed strict enforcement, warning violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.