Judge Dismisses Border Trespass Charges Against Migrants, Citing Lack of Awareness

A U.S. judge in New Mexico has dismissed trespassing charges against a number of migrants caught in a newly established military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. This ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration's campaign to intensify penalties for illegal border crossings.

Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth found no probable cause for the charges, arguing that the migrants were not aware they were entering a designated military zone. Wormuth's decision was made after reviewing court documents and statements from defense attorneys, including Amanda Skinner, who noted that all defendants making court appearances on Thursday saw their trespassing charges dropped.

Despite establishing military buffer zones along the border, including a significant area in New Mexico and another in Texas, officials face challenges in enforcing these measures. The judge's ruling pointed out insufficient signage warning migrants of the military zone, thereby preventing the establishment of probable cause for the trespassing charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)