Peruvian migrant acquitted in the first trial over the new militarized zone at US-Mexico border
Share this @internewscast.com

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — On Thursday, a Peruvian woman who had crossed the U.S. border without authorization was found not guilty of unauthorized entry into a newly designated militarized zone. This is the first case of its kind under the Trump administration’s initiative to prosecute immigrants who enter specified areas in New Mexico and western Texas.

Adely Vanessa De La Cruz-Alvarez, 21, was apprehended last month near Tornillo, West Texas, after crossing into the U.S. from Mexico by traversing the Rio Grande riverbed, according to court records.

Besides the charge of illegal entry into the country, she faced charges for entering a military zone. This charge is part of a broader campaign by President Donald Trump’s administration, following the transfer of land along the border to military control. This effort is a new strategy by the Department of Justice to intensify actions against illegal immigration.

The Associated Press left messages Thursday with De La Cruz-Alvarez’s attorney, Veronica Teresa Lerma. The lawyer told The Texas Tribune the acquittal is significant.

“Hopefully, this sets the tone for the federal government,” Lerma said, “so they know what the El Paso community will do with these charges.”

Even before the woman’s case went to trial, federal magistrate judges in neighboring New Mexico had dismissed similar cases, finding little evidence that immigrants knew about the zones.

Lerma was convicted of entering the country illegally and was already facing deportation, but could have faced up to 18 months in prison for entering the militarized zone.

Despite the verdict, U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons of the Western District of Texas said his office will continue to aggressively prosecute National Defense Area violations.

“At the end of the day, another illegal alien has been found guilty of illegally entering the country in violation of the improper entry statute and will be removed from the United States,” Simmons said in a statement. “That’s a win for America.”

The administration wants to sharply increase the removal of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally as Trump seeks to make good on his pledge of mass deportations. The administration has deployed thousands of troops to the border, while arrests have plunged to the lowest levels since the mid-1960s.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mickey Mouse surprises L.A. kids and teaches them the "Hot Dog!" dance from the 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+'

Mickey Mouse Delights L.A. Kids with a Surprise “Hot Dog!” Dance Lesson

LOS ANGELES — Amid joyful cheers and energetic music, Mickey Mouse made…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Senate Race Turmoil: Bernie-Backed Candidate Faces Campaign Collapse Amid Democratic Discord

Though the Maine primary is still months away, slated for June 9,…
Car rams into White House barricade, suspect arrested: officials

Breaking News: Security Breach at White House as Vehicle Crashes into Barricade – Suspect in Custody

On Tuesday night, authorities apprehended a suspect following an incident where a…
The Federal Reserve Wants to Integrate Crypto and Fintech into U.S. Financial System

Federal Reserve Plans to Embrace Crypto and Fintech in U.S. Financial System Overhaul

In a notable shift towards digital advancement, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J.…
A Grand Teton mountain runner set a record. But his route turned into a crime

Trailblazer Sets Record in Grand Teton Run, Faces Unexpected Legal Challenges

Michelino Sunseri’s journey to the summit of Grand Teton was nothing short…
King David hotel kicked a woman out of a main suite — JD Vance wanted it

King David Hotel Evicts Woman from Main Suite to Accommodate JD Vance

Veep’s Kingly Mideast move A well-connected acquaintance is currently in Jerusalem, mingling…
1 dead, 1 in custody after Alabama shooting

Tragic Alabama Shooting Leaves One Dead, Suspect in Custody

SMITHS STATION, Ala. (WRBL) — A tragic shooting incident in Sawyer’s Trailer…
'Golden Bachelor' exclusive clip: Can Cindy get the answers she needs to move forward with Mel?

Exclusive Clip from ‘Golden Bachelor’: Will Cindy Find the Clarity She Needs to Progress with Mel?

This week on “The Golden Bachelor,” the excitement heightens as Mel embarks…
Pardoned Jan 6 rioter accused of threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries after Trump clemency

Pardoned Capitol Rioter Faces New Allegations of Threatening Hakeem Jeffries Post-Trump Clemency

A man previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his involvement…
Trump threatens Hamas if Gaza ceasefire collapses as JD Vance to visit Israel

Trump Issues Warning to Hamas Amid Gaza Ceasefire Concerns; JD Vance Plans Visit to Israel

In a recent announcement regarding Vice President JD Vance’s upcoming visit to…
Fraternity suspended after possible hazing leaves university student in critical condition: report

University Fraternity Faces Suspension Amid Alleged Hazing Incident: Student Critically Injured

A fraternity in New Jersey is facing suspension due to potential hazing…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 6: Popular couple sent home on 'Wicked Night,' celebrating music from movies

Wicked Night’ Shocker: Fan-Favorite Couple Eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Movie Music Week

LOS ANGELES — On “Dancing with the Stars,” the night was enchanted…