Federal prosecutors in Arizona closed out 2025 and rang in the new year with a significant surge in immigration enforcement, filing criminal charges against 135 individuals in a span of just seven days.
From Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona processed dozens of cases involving illegal entry and human smuggling. The breakdown of the charges indicates a heavy focus on repeat offenders. Of the 135 charged, 75 were prosecuted for illegally re-entering the United States, while 52 face charges for illegal entry.
In addition to those crossing the border, federal authorities targeted the networks facilitating the movement. Eight individuals were charged with smuggling migrants into and through the District of Arizona…