A group of 140 illegal immigrants had their riot charges dismissed by a Texas judge on Monday. The mob of illegal immigrants was arrested after they stormed the border earlier this month, overwhelming Border Patrol agents.
County Court Judge Ruben Morales ruled against the Texas Department of Public Safety, arguing Texas authorities failed to prove probable cause when arresting those linked to the border riot, according to El Paso Times.
“After reviewing the affidavit, I don’t believe that [probable cause] exists,” Morales said. “I don’t believe there is probable cause for these individuals to continue to be detained for the offense of riot participation.”
The illegal immigrants involved in the riot will be released from state custody.
The group will be turned over to federal custody, however, because all 140 illegal immigrants are still facing charges for illegally crossing the US-Mexico border.
The group could still face riot charges in the future.
“This is one step,” El Paso County Public Defender Kelli Childress said after the hearing. “Can the DA go back and indict them now? Sure, but I would hope they would have the integrity to explain to a Grand Jury what probable cause means and the fact that the judge found there was none.”
In another recent incident, 1,300 illegal immigrants swarmed New York City’s City Hall, demanding more taxpayer-funded support and the ability to work in the United States.
