Federal Border Enforcement Intensifies in Southern New Mexico: 201 Charged in Weeklong Sweep Sept 19, 2025

Alamogordo — Federal prosecutors in New Mexico announced a sweeping series of border-related arrests and indictments this week, as part of a coordinated crackdown on illegal entry, smuggling, and violations of national defense zones near the U.S.–Mexico border.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, a total of 201 individuals were charged between September 13 and September 19, 2025, in connection with immigration and border-related offenses. The charges stem from joint operations with U.S. Border Patrol (El Paso Sector), Homeland Security Investigations, and military enforcement units stationed near restricted zones in southern New Mexico.

Breakdown of Charges

• 65 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. § 1326), many of whom had prior felony convictions including robbery, theft, and identity fraud.

• 44 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. § 1325), a misdemeanor offense for first-time unauthorized border crossings.

• 8 individuals face charges of Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. § 1324), including transporting and harboring undocumented migrants for profit.

• 84 individuals were charged with a combination of:• Illegal Entry

• Violation of Military Security Regulation (50 U.S.C. § 797)

• Trespassing on Military Property (18 U.S.C. § 1382)

These latter cases involved unauthorized entry into newly designated National Defense Areas, including zones near White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss training corridors, where federal security restrictions have been heightened.

Operation Take Back America

The prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative launched earlier this year to combat illegal immigration, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and protect border communities from violent crime.

Regional Impact

The District of New Mexico spans 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Federal prosecutors in Las Cruces and Albuquerque continue to coordinate with state and local agencies to manage the growing caseload.

Local officials in Otero and Doña Ana counties have expressed concern about the increased volume of cases and the strain on detention facilities and court dockets. However, they also praised the DOJ’s efforts to maintain border integrity and protect sensitive military infrastructure.

Public Access & Transparency

For full case details, the U.S. Attorney’s Office maintains weekly updates at justice.gov/usao-nm, and federal court records are available through PACER.

AlamogordoTownNews.org will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on regional enforcement, court proceedings, and community impact.

Chris Edwards is a community journalist and media executive based in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He covers civic affairs, sports, public safety, and legacy storytelling across Otero County and beyond.

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