CBP officers charged after allegedly taking bribes to wave in illegal immigrants
Share and Follow

Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have been charged with taking bribes to let people enter the country without showing documents at America’s busiest border crossing.

CBP Officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez worked at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and prosecutors say they let dozens of vehicles carrying illegal immigrants pass through without proper checks in exchange for thousands of dollars.

According to court documents unsealed Thursday, investigators found phone messages between the officers and human smugglers in Mexico. They also found large unexplained cash deposits in the officers’ bank accounts.

“Any Customs and Border Protection agent who helps smugglers is breaking their oath and putting our national security at risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden.

San Ysidro crossing port in Tijuana

Vehicles queue at the San Ysidro crossing port in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico. (Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images)

Rodriguez’s lawyer, Michael Hawkins, said the case is still in the early stages and reminded the public that Rodriguez is presumed innocent. “We look forward to working through the current situation,” Hawkins said, calling Rodriguez “hardworking and loyal.”

It’s not yet clear if Almonte has a lawyer. In the past two years, five CBP officers in the San Diego area have faced similar corruption charges.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents CBP officers, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Police seek criminal charge in death of influencer Emilie Kiser's son

Authorities Pursue Charges in Connection with the Death of Influencer Emilie Kiser’s Son

() Police have recommended charges in the death of influencer Emilie Kiser’s…
Billionaire GOP donor Ken Langone reverses course on Trump after calling tariffs ‘bulls–t’

Billionaire GOP Donor Ken Langone Shifts Stance on Trump After Criticizing Tariffs

Ken Langone, a billionaire who donates to the GOP, recently expressed admiration…
1 dead, 13 injured by lightning strike at New Jersey archery range

Lightning Strike at New Jersey Archery Range: 1 Fatality and 13 Injured

A 61-year-old man is dead after a group of people was struck…
Noem teases 'next big announcement' that may change airport security rule

Noem teases ‘next big announcement’ that may change airport security rule

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Homeland Security Secretary Kristi…
Simone Biles sparks fury with gender comment in ESPYs speech

Simone Biles’ ESPYs Speech Ignites Debate Over Gender Remarks

Simone Biles took home the first ESPY award of the night on…
Victim or manipulator? Colorado dentist’s murder trial paints dueling portraits of wife in troubled marriage

Dentist accused of poisoning wife’s shake said he gave her ‘too much protein’: co-worker

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The second day of…
Julian McMahon's death certificate reveals chilling details

Julian McMahon’s Death Certificate Exposes Troubling Information

Beloved TV actor Julian McMahon received a quiet and solitary goodbye after…
Alina Habba, Trump pick for NJ's US Attorney, gets big law enforcement backing — but faces opposition from Dem senators

Alina Habba, Trump’s Nominee for New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney, Gains Strong Law Enforcement Support Amid Opposition from Democratic Senators

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s nominee for the role of US attorney in…