US Makes First Prosecutions of Illegal Immigrants for Entering Military Zone at Border

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has warned that any illegal immigrant attempting to enter that zone ‘is entering a military base.’

A U.S. Border Patrol agent patrols Sunland Park along the U.S.–Mexico border next to Ciudad Juarez in New Mexico on Jan. 4, 2016. Russell Contreras/AP Photo

The United States has begun prosecuting illegal immigrants for allegedly crossing into a restricted military zone along the U.S.–Mexico border, according to court documents filed on April 28.

Some 28 illegal immigrants have been charged with illegal entry and “violations of security regulations” for entering a “restricted and controlled” New Mexico national defense area, according to the court filings.