28 Migrants Charged in New Mexico Military Buffer Zone

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — At least 28 migrants have been charged in federal court for crossing into a newly designated military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border, a significant escalation in federal enforcement actions. The charges were filed in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Monday, according to court documents.

The migrants were accused of violating a security regulation after entering a 170-mile-long, 60-foot-wide buffer zone that is patrolled by U.S. troops. This military buffer zone was established under the Trump administration as part of enhanced border security measures.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the border area last week and stated, “Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base.” During his visit, he noted that this action represented the beginning of extending the buffer zone, asserting that migrants caught in this zone could face serious legal repercussions.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has publicly condemned these developments, labeling the military presence as a concerning militarization of the borderlands. The organization stated that the use of military forces for civilian law enforcement undermines constitutional principles.

Rebecca Sheff, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU, commented, “The expansion of military detention powers represents a dangerous erosion of the constitutional principle that the military should not be policing civilians.”.

The recent prosecutions come in the context of the military’s potential authority under the Posse Comitatus Act, which typically restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. However, certain exceptions, including the newly introduced military purpose doctrine, may allow for troops to assist in these operations.

Currently, approximately 11,900 troops are deployed at the U.S. southern border, contributing to surveillance and operational support aimed at curbing illegal crossings. Recent data indicates that the number of migrants caught attempting to cross the southern border has decreased, reaching a record low in March.

The migrants now face serious legal consequences, including fines up to $100,000 and possible detention for breaching security regulations, which mark a stark contrast to previous enforcement approaches. This situation poses profound implications for border residents and could lead to unintended consequences for those living in nearby communities.