In Albuquerque, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico reported this week’s immigration enforcement statistics, detailing criminal charges filed in cooperation with agencies including the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso.
For the week ending February 27, 2026, federal prosecutors in New Mexico charged 72 people with illegal reentry after deportation, 10 individuals with alien smuggling, and 61 people with illegal entry. Additionally, 80 individuals faced charges related to illegal entry as well as violations of military security regulations and unauthorized entry onto military property. These latter cases stem from incidents involving a newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many defendants charged under illegal reentry statutes had prior convictions that included fleeing accident scenes resulting in death or serious injury, firearm possession by an alien, and other immigration offenses.
One case involved Jose Cuyuch De Paz who was encountered by Border Patrol agents near Sunland Park after entering the United States illegally on foot. According to authorities: “When agents attempted to detain him, De Paz fled into a residential area, climbed fences, and was pursued through backyards by a uniformed agent who followed his footprints. During the apprehension, the fence gave way and both men fell forward, at which point De Paz kicked the agent multiple times in the chest as the agent tried to gain control. A second agent arrived to assist, and the agents subdued, handcuffed, and arrested De Paz.” The office noted that “De Paz is charged with illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer,” though he later denied striking or kicking the agent.
So far in Fiscal Year 2026, there have been 18 reported assaults against El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents; last year saw 88 such assaults. The U.S. Border Patrol is working closely with both the FBI and federal prosecutors to ensure prosecution for those who assault law enforcement officers at the border. Officials described this interagency cooperation as essential for protecting frontline personnel and deterring future attacks.
The current efforts are part of Operation Take Back America—described by officials as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.”
Officials clarified that these statistics reflect only prosecutions brought by their office; they do not include cases handled administratively without criminal charges.
District leadership stated that public safety and securing borders remain their highest priorities. They said increased enforcement has led to arrests involving unlawful activity or serious crimes such as human trafficking or violence against children.
The District covers all 33 counties in New Mexico along its 180-mile international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces continue collaborating with local law enforcement agencies on immigration-related prosecutions.