In a major development along the US Mexico border, over 100 undocumented migrants are now facing criminal charges for allegedly crossing into a newly designated military area in New Mexico. This area is no longer just a border. It’s now officially a national defense area, a military controlled zone stretching 170 mi long and 60 ft. wide.
And anyone who crosses it without permission could face federal prosecution. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, 130 undocumented migrants have been charged after allegedly entering this new zone. The land now falls under the control of US Army garrison Fort Woke, turning it into what officials describe as a military installation.
New Mexico’s southern border now a military zone
US Attorney Ryan Ellison made it clear in his statement, “Trespassers into the National Defense Area will be federally prosecuted. No exceptions. So, what does this mean for migrants crossing the border? They now face an additional criminal charge on top of immigration related offenses. That could mean up to one year in federal prison just for entering this military controlled zone.
This move follows a recent visit from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hughes, who reinforced the administration’s stance. We are getting complete control of the border and the military that’s here now is fully empowered with every authority they need inside the national defense area which you’re standing in right now with these signs that warn you’re entering it.
If you are an illegal crossing, you will be monitored. You will be detained by US troops. You will be detained temporarily and handed over to Customs and Border Patrol. If you have cut through a fence or jumped over a fence, that’s destruction of government property. Uh if you have attempted to evade, that’s evading law enforcement, just like you would any other military base.
You add up the charges of what you can be charged with, misdemeanor and felonies, you could be looking up to 10 years in prison when prosecuted. And by the way, I had a chance to meet the US attorney for New Mexico. He can’t wait to prosecute the first group of people or individuals that attempts to enter and traffic through the National Defense Area.
The Secretary of Defense made it very clear that anyone caught will be stopped, detained, and handed over to the authorities. But not everyone is on board with this new approach. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico has raised serious concerns. They argue that this military expansion into civilian border areas could pose risks to the rights and safety of local communities.
Second US Military Zone Set Up Along Border with Mexico
Legal experts and human rights advocates are also questioning whether this move violates the Posi Commutates Act, which limits the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement. Supporters of the plan say it’s about national security, deterring illegal crossings, and protecting the border. Critics say it’s a dangerous overreach of military power on US soil.
Regardless of where the debate stands, one thing is clear. The southern border is becoming more militarized than ever before. And now entering the wrong part of it could mean facing US military forces and jail time. The situation is changing fast at the US-Mexico border. And the consequences are real.
