The Attorney General’s Office in New Mexico says two Mexican nationals are the first in the state to be convicted for crossing into the newly established military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison says the two men were convicted of violating Title 50 and Title 18. Both are new charges related to trespassing on Department of Defense or military property.
They were created in conjunction with the zone, which was established along the 60-foot stretch of border known as the Roosevelt Reservation. The segment runs along the border in New Mexico, California and Arizona. New Mexico’s section became the military zone in April.
Hundreds of arrests have already been made using the new charges, as defense personnel get increased authority within the zone. But these are the first convictions.
The two men face a year in prison and a fine for the military charges. They also face immigration-related charges for re-entering the U.S. after being deported.
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