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
Senate Dems move to force Trump to pay back $175B in tariff revenue

Senate Democrats Push for Trump to Return $175 Billion in Tariff Funds: A Bold Move to Reclaim Revenue

WASHINGTON — On Monday, Senate Democrats introduced a legislative proposal aimed at…
Massachusetts sixth-grader killed in Utah avalanche remembered as 'sweet, sassy and smart'

Tragic Utah Avalanche Claims Life of Beloved Massachusetts Sixth-Grader Remembered for Her Sweetness and Intelligence

An 11-year-old girl from Massachusetts tragically lost her life in an avalanche…
Kara Braxton, WNBA champ who played with New York Liberty, dead at age 43

WNBA Champion and Former New York Liberty Star Kara Braxton Passes Away at 43

Kara Braxton, who achieved significant success in the WNBA by clinching two…
California child molester David Allen Funston granted parole

Controversial Parole Decision: California Child Molester David Allen Funston Released

In a shocking turn of events that has sparked outrage throughout California,…
Mexican cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' was taken out after authorities tracked mistress to secret love nest

Authorities Dismantle Cartel Kingpin ‘El Mencho’ by Following Trail to Hidden Hideaway

Authorities announced on Monday that Mexico’s infamous cartel leader was tracked down…
Grandfather-to-be identified as one of six Tahoe avalanche survivors

Grandfather-to-Be Among Six Rescued in Tahoe Avalanche Incident

A man soon to become a grandfather has been identified as one…
Dozens of Dems plan to skip President Trump's State of the Union as party splits on how to protest

Many Democrats Consider Boycotting Trump’s State of the Union Amid Party Debate on Protest Methods

WASHINGTON — Several Democrats intend to boycott President Trump’s State of the…
North Carolina dad Shaheem Snype caught on video attacking son’s alleged killer at Mecklenburg County Courthouse

Watch: North Carolina Father Confronts Son’s Alleged Killer in Dramatic Courtroom Clash

In North Carolina, a father overwhelmed by grief took matters into his…
Trump invites gold-winning US men's Olympic hockey team to State of the Union address, gushes over goalie Connor Hellebuyck in postgame phone call

Trump Extends Invitation to Gold-Winning U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team for State of the Union; Praises Goalie Connor Hellebuyck in Post-Game Call

President Trump extended a special invitation to the US men’s Olympic hockey…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Volunteers Discover New Clue in Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie: Second Glove Found, DNA Results Awaited

In Tucson, Arizona, a group of more than a dozen volunteers gathered…
Heartbreaking vigil for Lake Tahoe avalanche victims — as friends break down in tears

Emotional Vigil for Lake Tahoe Avalanche Victims Captures Heartfelt Tributes and Tears

On Sunday evening, a deeply moving vigil was held to honor the…
Nancy Guthrie doorbell image captured on separate date: source

New Evidence Emerges: Nancy Guthrie’s Doorbell Footage Captured on Different Date, Sources Reveal

TUCSON, Ariz. — A source privy to the investigation shared with Fox…