Military detains over 1,400 migrants in restricted zone along US-Mexico Border
Officials announced on Wednesday, June 11, that military personnel have detained more than 1,400 migrants found in a military zone along the U.S. southern border and turned them over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Civil liberties advocates say the military shouldn't be policing the border.
Border officials announcing the migrant apprehensions say the focus of the zone is complete operational control of the southern border.
"The message should be clear: Do not enter the United States illegally," El Paso Border Patrol Sector Chief Walter Slosar said during a joint news conference attended by KFOX in El Paso, Texas, on June 11. "This in no way, shape or form around us looks like an inviting place or the front door of a country."
Criminal charges tied to military zone
Federal prosecutors in New Mexico and western Texas have been charging immigrants with extra criminal offenses for crossing into a newly designated military-restricted zone. These charges make illegal entry a national security-related offense.
Convictions can carry up to six months in jail, a $500 fine or both. Critics are pushing back on the charges, arguing that many immigrants are unaware they have crossed into a militarized space despite thousands of signs warning of the restricted zone in multiple languages.
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