US Prosecutes 28 Migrants for Entering Military Zone at Mexico Border

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated its first criminal prosecutions against migrants and asylum seekers accused of crossing a newly established military zone along the New Mexico-Mexico border, with at least 28 individuals facing charges for violating security regulations in addition to unlawful entry. This military zone, known as the New Mexico National Defense Area, was created by transferring over 100,000 acres of federal land to the U.S. Army, making unauthorized entry subject to heightened penalties of up to a year in prison and $100,000 in fines. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the zone is now treated as a military base, with U.S. troops and Border Patrol collaborating to interdict and hand over migrants. The move has spurred criticism from civil liberties advocates, who warn that the militarization of the border and the expansion of military detention powers mark a dangerous erosion of constitutional protections against military policing of civilians. Supporters of the policy, including Trump administration officials, argue that it serves as an effective deterrent and enhances border security. Despite the military’s increased presence, Customs and Border Protection retains jurisdiction over migration enforcement in the area.