LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- As KFOX has reported all week, the Fugitive Safe Surrender program officially kicked off in Las Cruces Wednesday. The U.S. Marshals Service said people were already lining up at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral by 7 am even though doors didn’t open until 9. With over 100,000 warrants in New Mexico ranging from a traffic violation to the more serious felony crime, the program offers people a chance to surrender safely and receive favorable consideration through the criminal justice system. Day 1 proved to be a tremendous success.

“I know we were hoping to make sure we had 50 to 100 the whole day (Wednesday), well we've already exceeded that in the first two hours of operation,” said U.S. Marshal Gorden Eden.

Even though most people knew they had a good chance of walking away handcuffed free, there were still plenty of skeptics.

“We'll see if I get arrested or not,” said Lucy Ortiz who had a warrant for a traffic violation. “I don't believe all this stuff that they don't take you in.”

“When I first saw it I was concerned, I was worried that it’s not what they say it is,” said Mark Moore who had a warrant for an expired registration.

But the fear and concern quickly vanished, just like the warrant.

“The atmosphere is great, people are treating us perfect, getting us food and water,” said Moore.

“They see that it’s not this confrontation that maybe they were expecting or they were concerned about, then they see this relaxed atmosphere,” said Eden.

By the end of the Wednesday close to 200 people turned themselves in, including 4 felony warrants said U.S. Marshal Byron Hollister. No one was arrested Wednesday.

“Better than getting pulled over and getting thrown in jail, better get it over with now,” said Ortiz.

“Everything looks good, everyone has a smile on their face,” said Moore.

The program runs through Saturday, but the Marshals service said Saturday will be the busiest day.