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
James Van Der Beek auctioning off memorabilia from 'Dawson's Creek,' 'Varsity Blues' to pay medical bills

James Van Der Beek Sells Iconic TV and Movie Memorabilia to Cover Medical Expenses

Back in August 2023, James Van Der Beek received a diagnosis of…
Biographer urged Epstein to bash Trump for 'political cover' in newly released emails

Biographer Encouraged Epstein to Criticize Trump in Newly Unveiled Emails for ‘Political Cover

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, the White House leveled…
Hilaria Baldwin, 41, reveals she and husband Alec, 67, are in therapy

Hilaria Baldwin Opens Up About Couples Therapy Journey with Alec: A Story of Love and Growth at Any Age

Hilaria Baldwin, the wife of actor Alec Baldwin, recently disclosed that she…
Search for Melodee Buzzard: Mother of missing Santa Barbara County girl appears in court today on unrelated charge

Melodee Buzzard in Court: Unrelated Charges Amid Search for Missing Santa Barbara Girl

The search for nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard commenced on October 14 after a…
Office of the Inspector General urges Chicago Public Schools to reform travel policies after expenses spike

Inspector General Calls for Urgent Reform of Chicago Public Schools’ Travel Policies Amid Rising Expenses

CHICAGO — A recent report from Chicago’s Office of the Inspector General…
Congress set to force release of Epstein files after bitter standoff

Congress Unveils Epstein Files After Prolonged Standoff: What Secrets Will Be Revealed?

Congress is gearing up to vote on a motion that would compel…
Passenger finds loaded magazine with mysterious inscription on Atlanta plane; FBI notified

FBI Investigates Loaded Magazine with Enigmatic Inscription Discovered on Atlanta Flight

A routine day at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta took an…
Matching family pajamas: 12 Christmas and holiday options for everyone in the family, including pets

12 Festive Matching Family Pajama Sets: Holiday Options for Every Member, Including Pets

Localish participates in several affiliate marketing programs, and as a result, may…