Federal authorities have charged 82 people with trespassing on U.S. Military Property in a newly designated National Defense Area along the New Mexico-Mexico border.
The zone is a 170-mile long, 60-foot wide strip of land recently transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Defense. Signs warning of restricted military access have been posted along the border wall adjacent to the area.
Charges of unauthorized entry onto the federal land, known as Title 50 violations, have been filed against 82 people through last Thursday. Authorities described this as the first large-scale use of the statute targeting entry onto federally protected defense property.
Those charged primarily include migrants apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol within the restricted area since at least April 24. Some individuals apprehended admitted to reading posted warning signs before proceeding into the zone. Court documents indicate Border Patrol agents conducted these apprehensions.
The National Defense Area is considered an extension of the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. It is subject to enhanced patrols and surveillance. Troops operating in the area are authorized to temporarily detain individuals and transfer them to Federal Law Enforcement for prosecution.
The Joint Task Force – Southern Border oversees the zone, working with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to prevent illegal activities.
This action follows the establishment of a second military zone in the El Paso, Texas, area as part of broader efforts to secure the southern border.
Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico have raised concerns about expanding military authority in border communities and the potential for detaining civilians, including U.S. citizens, in the restricted zone. The ACLU opposes expanded military authority in a statement.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated his office will "work hand in glove with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Border Patrol to gain 100 percent operational control of New Mexico’s 170-mile border with Mexico.”
Ellison added, "Trespassers into the National Defense Area will be Federally prosecuted – no exceptions.”
