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
HHS finds Minnesota child care agency failed to verify attendance records and 'pursue fraud tips'

Minnesota Child Care Agency Faulted for Lax Record Verification and Ignoring Fraud Alerts, HHS Reports

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)…
Trump honors Staten Island native Michael Ollis with Medal of Honor

Trump Awards Medal of Honor to Staten Island Native Michael Ollis

In a solemn ceremony, President Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor…
Ukraine knows how to stop Iranian Shahed drones, and is offering its help: Zelensky

Ukraine’s Game-Changing Strategy to Neutralize Iranian Shahed Drones: Insights from President Zelensky

KYIV, Ukraine— As nations grapple with the increasing threat of Iranian drones,…
Justin Timberlake sues to block release of police video from 2024 drunken driving arrest in New York

Justin Timberlake Initiates Legal Action to Prevent Release of Police Video from 2024 DUI Incident in New York

NEW YORK — Justin Timberlake has taken legal action to prevent the…
Iran starts ‘indiscriminate’ strikes across Gulf of Oman, hits shadow tanker tied to regime

Iran Launches Strikes in Gulf of Oman, Targeting Controversial Tanker Linked to Regime

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran has begun what experts…
Owner of Texas bar attacked during mass shooting releases statement

Texas Bar Owner Speaks Out Following Devastating Mass Shooting Incident

The proprietor of Buford’s bar in Downtown Austin has expressed his heartfelt…
Asking Eric: Husband thinks mother is perfect; wife thinks she’s a bully

Navigating Family Dynamics: When Your Husband’s ‘Perfect’ Mom Feels Like a Bully

Dear Eric: I’ve been married to my husband for nearly 35 years,…
Fires rage at Iran's Bandar Abbas naval headquarters, Strait of Hormuz traffic stalled

Massive Fires Erupt at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base, Disrupting Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes

On Monday, satellite imagery unveiled intense fires and massive clouds of black…
Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Chooses Silence As Tehran Demands Unity

Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Makes Bold Statement Amid Calls for Unity from Tehran

In the wake of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s confirmed death, Tehran…
Rick Caruso reveals why he dropped out of LA mayor's race

Rick Caruso Shares Surprising Reasons for Exiting LA Mayor’s Race

Real estate tycoon Rick Caruso has disclosed the primary reason behind his…
Iran nuclear talks 'didn't pass the smell test' before Trump launched strikes, says Vance

Vance Criticizes Pre-Strike Iran Nuclear Talks for Lack of Transparency Prior to Trump-Ordered Military Action

Vice President JD Vance announced on Monday that discussions with Iran regarding…
Alleged Austin Bar Shooter Wore Iranian Flag Shirt Under Hoodie

Austin Bar Shooting Suspect Reportedly Wore Shirt Featuring Iranian Flag Beneath Hoodie

A 53-year-old suspect, accused of opening fire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden…