Officials have confirmed that illegal immigrants apprehended in the new military zone President Donald Trump’s administration recently established in Texas’ Hidalgo and Cameron Counties are expected to be processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which could lead to trespassers facing up to 18th months in prison.
In a press release last month, the U.S. Air Force stated, “Following June 18th directive from the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Air Force will manage a new NDA covering approximately 250 miles of the Rio Grande River in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, Texas, on land transferred from the International Boundary and Water Commission through the General Services Administration. This area will be administered as part of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.”
Following the designation of the new military zone in Texas, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez told Border Report that the U.S. military will be able to “withhold” anyone who illegally trespasses on the property.
“It’s all federal land and basically our understanding is it allows the military to be able to go in there and do surveillance of the property and anyone illegally trespassing they can withhold them,” Cortez stated. “They cannot arrest them but they can withhold them and turn them over to other authorities.”
READ MORE: 2 new military zones created by Trump admin along US-Mexico border
According to Border Report, the authorization for the military to withhold trespassers along the southern border military zone and turn them over to law enforcement authorities could lead to individuals being arrested and charged with criminal misdemeanor trespassing, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 18 months.
In a statement obtained by Fox 8, Christina Smallwood, a Border Patrol spokeswoman, said, “All 9 stations in the RGV Sector are equipped with processing facilities. RGV Sector also has a Centralized Processing Center.”
The Air Force previously confirmed that Joint Task Force-Southern Border service members will carry out operations within the National Defense Area as part of Joint Base San Antonio.
“Their responsibilities include enhanced detection and monitoring through stationary positions and mobile patrols, temporarily detaining trespassers until they are transferred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, and supporting the installation of temporary barriers, and signage to secure the area,” the Air Force said.
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Author: Timothy Frudd
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