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
Fred Meyer and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union building in Kent, Washington.

Kroger Announces Store Closures, Citing Increased Theft Despite Enhanced Security Measures

KROGER chiefs have confirmed that the grocer is closing down two of…
Florida executes man for 1982 murder of insurance office worker abducted from office

Florida Carries Out Execution for 1982 Murder of Insurance Office Employee Abducted from Workplace

Florida on Tuesday put to death a man convicted of abducting a…
Federal mediator to assist negotiations between Naperville School District 203, teachers, who have threatened to go on strike

Mediation to Begin Between Naperville School District 203 and Teachers to Prevent Potential Strike

A federal mediator is set to aid in the contract discussions between…
Texas House redistricting committee advances bill with new congressional maps

Texas House Panel Approves Bill for Redrawing Congressional Maps

The Texas House of Representatives’ redistricting committee approved a revised version of…
Man in dark shirt at court hearing.

Emotional Confrontation: Daughter Faces ‘Monster’ Dad After Attempted Killing – ‘You Smiled While Choking Me’

A DAUGHTER emotionally confronted her father in court after he was charged…
Family demands justice in Pilsen, Chicago hit-and-run crash that killed Marcela Herrera, injured fiancé near Ashland and Cullerton

Family Seeks Justice After Pilsen Hit-and-Run Kills Marcela Herrera and Injures Fiancé Near Ashland and Cullerton in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A poignant melody of love and loss reflects the…
Chinese national who overstayed visa learns fate for exporting weapons to North Korea

Chinese Citizen Sentenced for Illegally Exporting Weapons to North Korea After Visa Overstay

An undocumented immigrant who was involved in smuggling firearms, ammunition, and military…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Ray Lopez visit Gage Park as residents call for more help after repeated flooding

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderman Ray Lopez Visit Gage Park: Residents Seek Solutions After Persistent Flooding

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some Chicago homeowners and aldermen are asking Mayor Brandon…
Judge dismisses part of lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center

Judge Partially Dismisses Lawsuit Concerning ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility

A federal judge in Miami, overseeing a case concerning the legal rights…
Mother of slain congressional intern says DC Council treats violent crime like a 'joke' amid unsolved killing

Former NYPD Detective Calls DC Police’s Approach to GOP Intern’s Murder Case ‘Unusual’

A former detective from the New York City Police Department suggests that…
Texas Democrat spends night in Legislature protesting police shadowing in redistricting battle

Texas Democrat Stages Overnight Protest Against Police Surveillance in Redistricting Dispute

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas Democrat chose to remain in the…
Rabbit specimen with Shope papilloma virus.

Beware: Mythical ‘Frankenstein Bunnies’ with Horns Invading US State

THE viral “Frankenstein bunnies” are eerily similar to an American West phenomenon.…