Federal magistrate judge dismisses trespassing charges against 98 arrested in new military zone
Share this @internewscast.com

Dozens of immigrants who crossed into the U.S. via a newly established military-controlled zone along the U.S.-Mexico border have seen their trespassing charges dropped. 

Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth began processing the dismissals late on Wednesday, determining that the immigrants were unaware they were entering the military zone—referred to as the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA)—and hence could not be held accountable, according to court documents.

Wormuth ruled that the federal government failed to demonstrate probable cause that the immigrants knew they were entering the zone.

The government had claimed in a criminal complaint that the military had installed signs in the zones indicating in both English and Spanish that it was a restricted area and that unauthorized entry was prohibited.

Last month, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited New Mexico to announce that the Army was taking control of the federal land as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and trafficking.

The 109,651 acres of federal land was transferred to the Army for three years, subject to valid existing rights.

Troops at New Mexico border

U.S. soldiers pictured at the southern border in New Mexico last week. (Can Hasasu/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The switch in jurisdiction allows the government to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources in the region, while helping the Army support U.S. Border Patrol operations in securing the border and preventing illegal immigration, according to the Department of the Interior.

In March, the Defense Department authorized the military to patrol the southern border to provide “enhanced detection and monitoring” to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Fox News Digital emailed and called a Department of Justice attorney involved in the case for comment.

Fox News’ Louis Casiano and Reuters contributed to this report. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Teacher's 23-stab-wound death ruled suicide again despite expert claims of homicide

Teacher’s Death, Initially Ruled Suicide Despite Expert Homicide Claims, Reaffirmed as Self-Inflicted

A long-anticipated reassessment of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg’s 2011 death, controversially categorized…
Chinese USC grad student accused of drugging, raping multiple women

USC Graduate Student from China Charged with Alleged Drugging and Assault of Multiple Women

A Chinese doctoral student in the United States has been charged with…
Blue city repeat offender accused of metal pipe rampage just days after release

Rampage in the Blue City: Repeat Offender Strikes Again with Metal Pipe Fury

A New York City man has found himself back in custody following…
US police warn against 'AI Homeless Man' prank

Police Issue Warning Over ‘AI Homeless Man’ Prank Trend

Law enforcement agencies nationwide are encountering a surge in prank calls involving…
Springsteen Deliver Me from Nowhere: Actor Jeremy Allen White, director Scott Cooper talk about new film

Jeremy Allen White and Director Scott Cooper Unveil ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ – A Springsteen-Inspired Cinematic Journey

Portraying the iconic Bruce Springsteen is arguably one of the most challenging…
'Golden Bachelor' Mel Owens selects his final three women in shocking rose ceremony

Stunning Turn of Events: ‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens Chooses His Top Three Ladies

NEW YORK — The countdown is on as we reach the final…
DOJ brings first Antifa-related terrorism charges in Texas ICE attack

Texas Attack: DOJ Files Landmark Terrorism Charges Linked to Antifa

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A federal grand jury has formally charged two individuals…
Judge sides with Democrat historian to temporarily block Trump presidential library deal in Florida

Florida Court Temporarily Halts Trump Presidential Library Deal Amidst Historian’s Legal Challenge

A Florida judge has temporarily halted the handover of a site designated…
Police chase ends with truck explosion and fire in dramatic scene captured on camera

Intense Police Pursuit Culminates in Fiery Truck Explosion Captured on Video

A dramatic low-speed police pursuit near Kansas City, Missouri, concluded with a…
Zohran Mamdani offers up word salad on how he will pay for $10B in socialist freebies without new taxes

Zohran Mamdani Proposes Innovative Funding Strategy for $10B Socialist Initiatives Without Raising Taxes

Zohran Mamdani remained tight-lipped when questioned about funding his ambitious $10 billion…
Ex-Campton Hills police chief, 2 ex-officers, 1 current cop accused of illegally selling guns from evidence room: Kane County SA

Former Campton Hills Police Chief, two former officers, and one current officer charged with illicit firearm sales from evidence room, according to Kane County State’s Attorney.

In Campton Hills, Illinois, a former police chief, along with two ex-officers…
Colorado driver walks away from dangerous 300-foot highway crash with minor injuries: 'A miracle'

Colorado Miracle: Driver Survives 300-Foot Plunge Off Highway with Only Minor Injuries

A driver incredibly walked away with just minor injuries after a dramatic…