EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A Texas grand jury indicted more than 140 migrants on misdemeanor rioting charges Tuesday over an alleged mass attempt to breach the U.S.-Mexico border, a day after a judge threw out the cases.
No injuries were reported during the alleged breach on April 12 in El Paso, which authorities say began when someone in the group cut through a razor wire barrier. Mass arrests also followed a separate episode in the Texas border city in March.
On Monday, a county judge had thrown out the charges against those who were arrested this month, ruling there was insufficient probable cause. A public defender representing the migrants had argued there was not enough evidence and accused authorities of trying to make headlines.
“The citizens of El Paso, through the grand jury, essentially overruled the judge’s ruling and found probable cause to believe that the riots did occur,” El Paso County District Attorney Bill Hicks told reporters Tuesday.
China unveils data of technically recoverable oil and gas resources
China slams false claim over 'ecological destruction' in South China Sea
China, Republic of Congo mark 60th anniversary of ties
Xi Extends Condolences to Putin over Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Terror Attack
A blast near a ship off Yemen may mark a new attack by Houthi rebels after a recent lull
Domestic brands shine at 4th CICPE in S China's Hainan
White salt flats become black fertile fields
Juventus requires a late goal to beat Lazio 3
Development key to protecting human rights
Emily Blunt gazes adoringly at husband John Krasinski as they grace the red carpet at star
Protection efforts lift crested ibis population