Posted on 05/16/2025 4:37:04 AM PDT by Red Badger
A U.S. judge in New Mexico on Thursday dismissed trespassing charges against dozens of migrants caught in a new military zone on the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a setback for Trump administration efforts to raise penalties for illegal crossings.
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth began filing the dismissals late on Wednesday, ruling migrants did not know they were entering the New Mexico military zone and therefore could not be charged, according to court documents.
Assistant Federal Public Defender Amanda Skinner said Wormuth dismissed the charges against all migrants who made initial court appearances on Thursday. The migrants still face charges for crossing the border illegally. "Judge Wormuth found no probable cause," Skinner said in an email.
New Mexico U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, who filed the first trespassing charges on April 28, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The so-called New Mexico National Defense Area was established in April along 180 miles of the border. U.S. Army troops patrol the area and can detain civilians entering it.
A second buffer zone was set up in Texas this month. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the military would continue to expand the zones to gain "100% operational control" of the border. Migrants caught in the military areas face combined penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, he said.
But Wormuth pushed back against the charges, ordering Ellison on May 1 to show proof migrants arrested in the New Mexico zone were aware they had entered a restricted area.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Isn’t it about time someone announces we are at war, being invaded, and the enemy is within the walls?
Sounds like we need to start shooting them on sight. Rule that, MF!
“Unbelievable” would be the word 20 years ago. Today it’s routine.
Looks like it is worse to be a citizen than a illegal in our justice system. What happened to ignorance of the law is no excuse?
“Isn’t it about time someone announces we are at war, being invaded, and the enemy is within the walls?”
Trump’s too busy trying to do the impossible, which is ending the war in Ukraine. Once he’s done with that, I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts ‘taking action’ against these judges in some way, possible as you suggest.
Well if 8647 Comey can use it, then anyone can.
Look, these anti American judges are really pissing me off!
This B/S has to stop. The American people elected Trump to do exactly what he is doing. Start coming down hard on these judges that constantly roadblock our President.
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth should be arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to a short drop and quick stop for giving aid and comfort to the domestic and foreign enemies of the United States.
To ask the question is to answer it.
In fact, there was a case on the Grand Canyon rim where someone got lost and camped overnight: because the guy was an outdoors Youtuber, he was charged with felonies for camping in a prohibited area pour encourager les autres.
THese areas are now recognized as bonafide US Military sites. Why aren’t these interlopers being tried in a Military court?
And, what was the real issue? Not enough signs? The trucks, jeeps and APC’s with all the camo dressed folks wasn’t a clue?
Get real, yer’onor! Pull your head out of your three point of contact.
If convicted, he should be shot.
aren’t there signs in spanish stating “You are entering a Restricted Zone”?
Did they forget the signage? Is that was this is about?
This.
Basically, yes, but even if there were signs in Spanish he would say the migrants are uneducated and can’t read.................
This is effing BS.
But if you unknowingly walk on a closed trail in the Lincoln National Forest, that’s a felony.
Just shoot them and be done.
I guess ignorance is an excuse for the law.
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