Liberal judge thwarts President Trump’s border strategy by dismissing trespassing charges against 98 illegal immigrants caught in a military zone, claiming they couldn’t have known they were trespassing despite clear warning signs.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth dismissed trespassing charges against 98 illegal immigrants arrested in a newly designated military zone in New Mexico.
- The judge claimed the government failed to prove migrants knew they were entering a restricted area, despite posted warning signs.
- The ruling undermines President Trump’s strategic use of National Defense Areas to strengthen border security and deter illegal immigration.
- Migrants still face standard illegal entry charges but avoid the enhanced penalties associated with military zone violations.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains committed to expanding military zones to achieve “100 percent operational control” of the southern border.
Judge Undermines Border Security Measures
In a frustrating setback to President Trump’s border security efforts, a New Mexico federal judge has dismissed trespassing charges against 98 illegal immigrants who were arrested after entering a newly established military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth rejected the charges, claiming the government failed to provide sufficient evidence that the migrants knew they were entering a restricted area. This ruling strikes at the heart of the Trump administration’s strategy to use military zones as an additional deterrent against the ongoing invasion at our southern border.
“Beyond the reference to signage, the United States provides no facts from which one could reasonably conclude that the Defendant knew he was entering the NMNDA (New Mexico National Defense Area),” wrote U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory B. Wormuth.
Strategic Military Zones Under Attack
The New Mexico National Defense Area, established on April 18, spans approximately 180 miles along the border and is considered an extension of the Fort Huachuca Army base in Arizona. A similar zone covering 63 miles was recently established near El Paso, Texas. These zones represent a critical component of President Trump’s comprehensive border security strategy, designed to impose steeper penalties on those illegally crossing into the United States. Military personnel are authorized to temporarily detain individuals entering these marked areas before transferring them to law enforcement.
“Let me be clear: if you cross into the National Defense Area, you will be charged to the FULLEST extent of the law,” stated Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Despite Judge Wormuth’s ruling, which dismissed charges of violating a security regulation and entering military property for an unlawful purpose, the illegal immigrants still face the standard charge of illegal entry into the United States. However, they now avoid the enhanced penalties that could have resulted in up to a year of additional jail time. The judge’s decision hinged on his determination that difficult terrain made it impossible to prove the migrants saw the warning signs, a convenient excuse that prioritizes illegal immigrants over national security.
Continuing the Fight for Border Security
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth remains undeterred by this judicial obstruction, maintaining his commitment to expanding the military zones to achieve “100 percent operational control” of the southern border. The establishment of these zones reflects the Trump administration’s recognition of the border crisis as a legitimate national security threat requiring military involvement. So far, military personnel have detected over 150 unauthorized entries in the National Defense Areas, highlighting the ongoing challenge of securing our borders against illegal infiltration.
“You can be detained. You will be detained. You will be interdicted by US troops and border patrol working together,” warned Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Federal prosecutors still have the option to refile the trespassing charges with additional evidence, and US Attorney Ryan Ellison continues to defend the military zones as vital for national security. This ruling represents just one battle in the larger war to protect American sovereignty and security. As the Biden-Harris administration’s open border policies created this crisis through years of neglect, President Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to implement comprehensive solutions that put American citizens first, not illegal immigrants who knowingly violate our laws and sovereignty.
