209 people face federal charges tied to new military zone in southern New Mexico
Federal prosecutors in New Mexico charged 209 people this week for unauthorized entry and violating security rules tied to a new National Defense Area designation near the border.
U.S. Attorney’s Office reports surge in border-related prosecutions; most defendants charged with unauthorized entry and violations tied to National Defense Area
Organ Mountain News report
ALBUQUERQUE - Federal prosecutors in New Mexico say they’ve filed charges against more than 300 people in the last week for immigration-related offenses, including 209 individuals accused of crossing into a newly designated military security zone along the southern border.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the bulk of this week’s charges stem from alleged violations of unauthorized entry under 8 U.S.C. 1325 and entry into a restricted National Defense Area under 50 U.S.C. 797. The security zone, newly established in recent weeks, stretches across portions of southern New Mexico, though federal officials have not released a full map of the affected area.
The charges were filed in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, with support from other federal and local agencies.
Prosecutors also reported:
- 91 individuals charged with reentering the country after prior deportation
- 1 person charged with smuggling undocumented individuals
- 1 additional person charged with unauthorized entry outside the National Defense Area
In many reentry cases, federal officials say the individuals had previous convictions for offenses including smuggling, drug trafficking, burglary and driving under the influence.
One case involved high-speed pursuit in Doña Ana County
In a separate incident cited by federal prosecutors, a man identified as Gerald Anthony Lopez allegedly fled a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on I-10 in Doña Ana County after being referred to secondary inspection. Authorities say Lopez reached speeds of 140 miles per hour before being stopped. A firearm and ammunition were recovered from the vehicle, according to the report.
Context: Military zone, but few details released
The 209 charges tied to violations of 50 U.S.C. 797 reflect a significant legal development: prosecution for entering a designated National Defense Area. This designation is rare and gives federal authorities increased security powers in the region.
Although federal officials have not publicly clarified the exact boundaries of the zone, sources say it may cover hundreds of square miles across southern New Mexico, from the Columbus area to parts of Luna and Doña Ana counties. Community advocates and civil rights organizations have raised concerns about transparency, access to legal counsel and the long-term impact on border residents.
What is a National Defense Area?
Understanding the military zone now affecting the southern New Mexico border
A National Defense Area, or NDA, is a federal designation used to restrict access to land for national security purposes. Under 50 U.S.C. 797, entering these areas without authorization can result in federal charges, including criminal penalties.
In April 2025, U.S. officials established a new NDA in southern New Mexico — part of what the Department of Justice describes as a response to national security threats near the border. The designation was made quietly, with little public input and limited information on its boundaries.
What is the size of the zone?
While some federal statements have referred to a 60-foot security buffer, reporting by Source New Mexico indicates the zone actually covers over 400 square miles — stretching from Columbus to Sunland Park and spanning multiple counties. It may overlap with Bureau of Land Management property, tribal lands or areas commonly used by migrants traveling on foot.
Who is affected?
Federal prosecutors say they have filed 209 charges under this statute in just one week — many involving first-time undocumented migrants charged with both unauthorized entry and trespassing in a restricted military zone.
- Due process, as migrants often lack access to legal counsel before facing charges
- Transparency, since no public map has been released to clarify where the NDA begins or ends
- The ongoing militarization of the border, which critics say marks a shift from civil immigration enforcement toward criminal prosecution of humanitarian migration
Organ Mountain News has not yet received clarification from federal authorities on the extent, enforcement or duration of the NDA in southern New Mexico. Future reporting may seek to clarify these unanswered questions.
National initiative fuels enforcement
These actions fall under what the U.S. Department of Justice refers to as Operation Take Back America, a federal enforcement campaign aimed at dismantling criminal networks and increasing border prosecutions. Critics have questioned the operation’s rhetoric and the broad scope of its targets, which include first-time border crossers alongside individuals with prior criminal records.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the numbers released this week reflect criminal prosecutions only, and do not include civil or administrative immigration actions.
Organ Mountain News will continue seeking additional information on the scope and enforcement practices of the National Defense Area, and how they may affect residents in southern New Mexico.