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
Chinese coast guard rams, damages Philippine vessel off island in South China Sea

Escalating Tensions: Chinese Coast Guard Collides with Philippine Vessel in South China Sea Conflict

On Sunday, a Chinese coast guard vessel unleashed a high-pressure water cannon…
Ivanka Trump praises hostage families' 'strength and conviction' at Tel Aviv gathering following Hamas deal

Ivanka Trump praises hostage families’ ‘strength and conviction’ at Tel Aviv gathering following Hamas deal

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Ivanka Trump, President Donald…
Odds, picks, best bet for SEC clash

Predictions, selections, and top wager for SEC showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
My fiancé won't loan me money to pay my rent

Financial Boundaries in Relationships: When Your Fiancé Refuses to Help with Rent

DEAR ABBY: I am a 60-year-old woman, recently divorced, and currently in…
Trump starts DOGE 2.0 as mass layoffs take place across government

Trump Launches DOGE 2.0 Amid Widespread Government Layoffs

Donald Trump began his promised mass purge of federal workers Friday, as more…
Florida Missing Child Alert canceled for 2-year-old last seen in Jacksonville

Man, 20s, dead after crashing motorcycle into car on Kings Road in Jacksonville

The crash happened at around 6:15 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of…
Doctor's double life exposed after hidden camera discovery leads to prison murder plot

Doctor’s double life exposed after hidden camera discovery leads to prison murder plot

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Stacey Rutherford believed she…
Look back at Diane Keaton's dating history as actress dies age 79

Reflecting on Diane Keaton’s Romantic History as the Actress Passes Away at 79

The entire world has been left rattled by the news that Hollywood…