Anyone attempting unlawful entry along the El Paso Sector border, including construction zones, will face immediate detection, prosecution, and removal, with a 100-percent prosecution rate, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 9, U.S. Border Patrol agents in El Paso Sector arrested two illegal aliens 1.46 miles west of the Paso del Norte International Port of Entry dressed as construction workers.\u00a0The two illegal aliens from Mexico and Ecuador were attempting to blend in with the construction workers on site but were apprehended shortly after their illegal entry.\u00a0One of the illegal aliens has a previous criminal record for domestic assault and will be prosecuted under Title 8 USC 1326 Reentry of Removed Aliens. The other will face consequences under 8 USC 1325 Illegal Entry without Inspection.<\/p>\n
Ongoing border infrastructure projects in Texas and New Mexico have created multiple active construction zones along the El Paso Sector, with heavy equipment, construction vehicles, and enhanced security measures in place. Border Patrol agents report that these areas pose additional safety risks to those attempting to cross illegally, including exposure to moving machinery and unstable terrain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese construction zones will continue to be heavily monitored by our Border Patrol agents and unlawful entry will not be tolerated,\u201d said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Munoz. \u201cIndividuals attempting to enter the United States unlawfully in construction zones or anywhere in the El Paso Sector are subject to immediate detection, prosecution and removal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Violations under Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1324 and 1325\u2014including unlawful entry and smuggling\u2014are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by the U.S. Attorneys for the districts in Texas and New Mexico. The El Paso Sector maintains a 100 percent prosecution rate for these offenses, and anyone apprehended in construction zones or elsewhere in the sector will be prosecuted.<\/p>\n
\u201cEntering the U.S. illegally is both dangerous to your life and your freedom,\u201d said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. \u201cMy office is committed to prosecuting every person caught illegally entering this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople who cross illegally in or around these construction projects will face federal charges and removal, consistent with the 100-percent prosecution policy in this sector,\u201d said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. \u201cStrict enforcement enhances safety for construction workers, agents, and the public while this critical infrastructure is being built.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite these areas being under construction, the public is reminded that they are still being heavily monitored by Border Patrol agents as part of enhanced border security. U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector urges the public to avoid construction areas and remind everyone that unlawful entry will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n