Peruvian migrant acquitted in the first trial over the new militarized zone at US-Mexico border
Share and Follow


EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A Peruvian woman who crossed the U.S. border illegally was acquitted Thursday of unauthorized access to a newly designated militarized zone in the first trial under the Trump administration’s efforts to prosecute immigrants who cross in certain parts of New Mexico and western Texas.

Adely Vanessa De La Cruz-Alvarez, 21, was arrested last month near the West Texas town of Tornillo after she entered the U.S. from Mexico by walking across the riverbed of the Rio Grande, court documents show.

In addition to being charged with entering the country illegally, she was charged with accessing a military zone. She is among several other immigrants who have been charged under the law since President Donald Trump’s administration transferred oversight of a strip of land along the border to the military. It is as part of a new approach the Department of Justice is taking to crack down on illegal immigration.

The Associated Press left messages Thursday with De La Cruz-Alvarez’s attorney, Veronica Teresa Lerma. The lawyer told The Texas Tribune the acquittal is significant.

“Hopefully, this sets the tone for the federal government,” Lerma said, “so they know what the El Paso community will do with these charges.”

Even before the woman’s case went to trial, federal magistrate judges in neighboring New Mexico had dismissed similar cases, finding little evidence that immigrants knew about the zones.

Lerma was convicted of entering the country illegally and was already facing deportation, but could have faced up to 18 months in prison for entering the militarized zone.

Despite the verdict, U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons of the Western District of Texas said his office will continue to aggressively prosecute National Defense Area violations.

“At the end of the day, another illegal alien has been found guilty of illegally entering the country in violation of the improper entry statute and will be removed from the United States,” Simmons said in a statement. “That’s a win for America.”

The administration wants to sharply increase the removal of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally as Trump seeks to make good on his pledge of mass deportations. The administration has deployed thousands of troops to the border, while arrests have plunged to the lowest levels since the mid-1960s.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Cassie Ventura finally breaks cover after shock Diddy verdict

Cassie Ventura emerges after surprising Diddy decision

Cassie Ventura has been seen for the first time following the conclusion of…
Texan city begins to disappear underwater as flooded river bursts

City in Texas starts to vanish underwater due to river flooding

A deadly flash flood has led to multiple fatalities and prompted thousands…
Bikes fill Neptune Beach's First Street for Fourth of July tradition

Bicycles line Neptune Beach’s First Street for Fourth of July celebration

Neptune Beach Police shut down First Street to cars to accommodate the…
2026 Senate election candidates Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly show out for 4th of July parade festivities

Senate election hopefuls Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly participate in 4th of July parade celebrations in 2026

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Fourth of July means parades in many communities.…
Natasha Cloud's WNBA All-Star Game case isn't straightforward

Natasha Cloud’s situation for the WNBA All-Star Game is not simple

The Liberty will be well represented at All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later…
How people are celebrating, protesting and traveling for July Fourth

Various ways individuals are observing, demonstrating, and journeying for Independence Day.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Recent polls will tell you there’s been a…
Elon Musk teases plans for 'America Party' after fury over Big, Beautiful Bill Act

Elon Musk hints at hosting an ‘America Party’ following backlash over Big, Beautiful Bill Act

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech entrepreneur, spent the 4th of July discussing…
Independence Day 2025: Chicago-area suburbs celebrate 4th of July with events, including Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park | LIVE

“2025 Independence Day Celebrations in Chicago Suburbs: Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park Events | LIVE Coverage”

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue was on full display…