In a shocking case of corruption, two U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors have been charged with taking thousands of dollars in bribes to allow undocumented immigrants to enter the country through one of the nation’s busiest ports of entry.
According to federal prosecutors, Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez were assigned to immigration inspection booths at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Southern California. An investigation into their activities revealed that they had exchanged messages with human traffickers in Mexico and deposited unexplained cash into their bank accounts, as shown by phone evidence obtained by investigators.
Surveillance video reportedly shows a vehicle stopping at a checkpoint, but only the driver was documented as entering the country, leaving questions about the identities of those who may have been smuggled in. Prosecutors claim that the two officers waved dozens of vehicles carrying people without documents and were paid thousands for each one they allowed through.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Michael Hawkins, maintained his client’s innocence, stating that the case is still in its early stages and that Rodriguez has the presumption of innocence. However, the National Border Patrol Council, which represents Border Patrol officers, declined to comment on the matter.
The investigation began after three migrant smugglers who were arrested last year told federal investigators that they had been working with U.S. border inspectors. During Almonte’s custody, investigators allegedly seized nearly $70,000 in cash that was believed to be being moved by his romantic partner to Tijuana. Prosecutors have hinted at potential additional charges against Almonte for money laundering and obstruction of justice.
The San Diego Union Tribune reported that Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden stated, “Any Customs and Border Protection agent who aids or turns a blind eye to smugglers bringing undocumented immigrants into the U.S. is betraying their oath and endangering our national security.”
This recent case brings the total number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the San Diego area facing similar corruption charges to five over the past two years. Last year, former border inspector Leonard Darnell George was sentenced to 23 years in prison for taking bribes to allow people and drug-laden vehicles into the country through the San Ysidro border crossing.
Two other former border officers at the Otay Mesa and Tecate ports of entry are expected to go on trial this summer, charged with similar crimes. The case highlights a growing concern about corruption within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and raises questions about the effectiveness of measures to prevent such breaches in national security.
Source: AP
