DOJ 'Operation Take Back America' In New Mexico: 152 Illegal Entry/Reentry Cases—55 Add Military Trespass At New National Defense Area

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison’s office reported weekly immigration prosecutions for the District of New Mexico (week ending Nov. 21, 2025): 50 charged with illegal reentry (8 USC 1326), 45 with illegal entry (8 USC 1325), 2 for smuggling (8 USC 1324), and 55 with illegal entry plus military-security and trespass offenses (50 USC 797; 18 USC 1382) tied to a newly established National Defense Area. Many 1326 defendants had prior convictions. DOJ says the cases fall under “Operation Take Back America,” reflecting a public-safety and border-security focus with El Paso Sector Border Patrol and HSI El Paso partners. Figures cover criminal prosecutions only, excluding administrative processing.