The Justice Department has initiated criminal prosecutions against migrants accused of entering a newly designated National Defense Area along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. At least 28 migrants have been charged not only with illegal entry but also with violating military security regulations. The 60-foot-wide, 170-mile-long zone—previously part of the Roosevelt Reservation—has been placed under military control, expanding the role of U.S. troops in border enforcement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a recent visit to the area, emphasized the use of posted warnings and stated that individuals crossing into the restricted zone would face prosecution. The area is managed by Joint Task Force-Southern Border, headquartered at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, and now allows troops to detain migrants temporarily.
The dual charges—illegal entry and violation of military security—carry potential prison sentences of up to one year each, with the possibility of additional charges for actions like damaging border infrastructure or fleeing authorities. Hegseth has suggested that cumulative charges could lead to sentences of up to 10 years.
This move follows the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten border security, including the deployment of thousands of active-duty troops, armored vehicles, surveillance equipment, and Navy assets. Critics, including the ACLU of New Mexico, have expressed concern over the militarization of the border and the involvement of troops in civilian law enforcement.
Two service members recently died during a reconnaissance mission in the area, marking the first known military fatalities tied to the increased border operations.
Reference:
Sacchetti, Maria. Et. Al. “First migrants charged with entering restricted military zone at border” The Washington Post. April 29, 2025.
