DOJ Tallies 1,709 Immigration Cases in West Texas During Shutdown as New Mexico Reports Hundreds

Overview

• The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas reported 1,709 immigration and immigration‑related criminal filings over the six‑week federal shutdown, with U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons noting prosecutors worked without pay.
• New Mexico prosecutors detailed charges from Sept. 29 to Nov. 14 that included 329 illegal reentry cases, 38 alien smuggling cases, 240 illegal entry cases, and 340 illegal entry cases tied to violations at a newly designated National Defense Area.
• Justice Department statements described the enforcement push as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
• Recent filings highlighted a Nov. 10 complaint against Juan Jesus Carranza Jr. after an alleged high‑speed chase while transporting five undocumented immigrants, along with San Antonio arrests alleging firearm possession, firearms trafficking, and cocaine sales.
• Authorities credited investigations by ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, HSI, DEA, FBI, USMS, ATF and local police, and emphasized that complaints and indictments are allegations with defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty.