The Department of Justice recently stated that more than 1,100 people were charged with immigration-related crimes in five southwestern US border districts during the third week of May as part of Operation Take Back America.
President Donald Trump’s government initiated a concerted enforcement campaign aimed at illegal immigration, cartel activities, and multinational criminal organisations. Charges were brought by US attorneys in Arizona, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas between May 9 and May 15.
In Southern California, 153 cases were brought, including counts of profiting from illegal alien smuggling, narcotics importation, and assaulting federal authorities. One case included a man attempting to cross at the Calexico East Port of Entry with more than 200 pounds of cocaine concealed in his trailer.
The District of Arizona charged 310 people, including 125 for illegal reentry and 170 for illegal entry. Authorities also filed 15 smuggling-related crimes in an ongoing campaign to combat human trafficking in the state.
In the Western District of Texas, prosecutors filed 295 criminal prosecutions involving immigration violations. Juan Jose Medrano-Escobedo and Rosendo Dominguez-Morales, both Mexican nationals, were arrested for allegedly crossing illegally near El Paso. Both individuals had previously been deported and had felony records for assault. They are now facing federal accusations for unauthorised entry and breaking national defence property restrictions.
The Southern District of Texas filed 209 cases, with 78 people accused of illegal re-entry into the United States. Many of those prosecuted have prior felony convictions for crimes such as narcotics possession, sexual assault, and violent behaviour. Another 124 people were accused of illegal entry, with seven facing human smuggling charges.
Meanwhile, the District of New Mexico filed 212 charges, including 68 counts of illegal reentry and 133 counts of illegal entry, along with violations of newly designated military security zones. Several offenders had past convictions for narcotics possession, alien smuggling, and driving while intoxicated.
Operation Take Back America is being managed by the Department’s Organised Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighbourhoods (PSN), both of which are dedicated to destroying criminal enterprises and reducing violent crime.
Reference: More than 1,100 charged with immigration-related crimes in southwestern border states
