Vindicated rancher George Alan Kelly speaks out for first time since having his charges dropped following a mistral over migrant's death on his Arizona land

George Alan Kelly, the Arizona rancher who became the face of the border crisis after he was charged with shooting a migrant dead on his land, says he feels vindicated after charges were dropped.

Kelly, 75, was charged with the killing of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, a Mexican national found dead on Kelly's sprawling ranch in January 2023.

He insists he never shot Cuen-Buitimea, instead only firing a warning shot to scare away groups of migrants who regularly crossed through his land.

Last week, a jury failed to reach a verdict after one hold-out juror refused to acquit and on Monday, prosecutors announced they would not seek a new trial.

In his first major interview since charges were dropped, Kelly says he and his wife are trying to 'start our life over again.'

'I don't feel that I was treated fairly in the investigation,' Kelly told NewsNation. 'I think I was arrested without cause, without probable cause.'

He said that despite a crowdfunding service helping out Kelly and his wife, he still has fears for the future.

'That cloud's still over my head,' he said. 'It's a long road, and we're not out of danger yet, but we're not giving up. I'm not going to let them beat me down.'

Kelly adds the crisis at the United States-Mexico border makes him worried about the state of his land.

'I've lived in a place like this all my life,' Kelly said. 'I'm not, I'm not afraid to exist here. But I know that it's a definite risk.'

He said he was living in constant fear and was desperate to protect his wife after multiple incidents.

Twitter: Mexico is now working with victim Cuen-Buitimea’s family to sue George Alan Kelly according to his attorney, Brenna Larkin. Here is her response: “The defense is curious about the Mexican government’s continued involvement in this case, and its attempts to influence official US judicial proceedings.

I’d bet a dollar to a donut that old Gabe was taken out by one of the illegal alien, advocate miggies that has already been processed and received a diaper change by the Border Patrol boyz and gurlz. They need a fresh “Gringos are evil” news stories to pimp to the ignorant U.S. public to get a little sympathy for the Invading freeloaders.

NEW:

Mexico is now working with Cuen-Buitimea’s family to sue George Alan Kelly according to Kelly’s attorney, Brenna Larkin. Here is her response:

“The defense is curious about the Mexican government’s continued involvement in this case, and its attempts to influence judicial proceedings in this case. Myself and my colleagues have represented many different Mexican nationals who have been stuck in custody in the United States. The Mexican consul general rarely (if ever) reaches out to get involved in their cases.

The deceased in this case was clearly involved in criminal activity. The presence of the radio, and his previous photograph involving the radio, binoculars, camouflage clothing, and the fanny pack, all indicate a criminal lifestyle. Mr. Cuen-Buitimea had previously been deported numerous times from this country. Had he obeyed the law, he would never have been there and he would never have met this end.

We would hope that the Mexican consul general would encourage their citizens to respect the laws of the United States, just as we encourage our citizens to respect the laws of Mexico. It is unfortunate that Mr. Cuen-Buitimea continued to make the tragic choices that put him in harm’s way, but those were his choices.”

Kelly says they are looking into their options as well when it comes to suing the county.

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