In a huge new scandal, the integrity of our border security comes under fire as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have been charged with crimes that undermine national security.
See the tweet below!
Allegations of bribery and betrayal at one of our country’s busiest borders reveal an outrageous abuse of power that demands accountability.
Two officers, Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, face federal charges, including conspiracy to bring in aliens for financial gain and the receipt of bribes.
These officers allegedly accepted bribes to allow vehicles carrying illegal aliens to pass through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest port along the U.S.-Mexico border.
This illicit operation came to light following a detailed investigation involving phone communications with human traffickers and suspicious bank transactions and has rocked the trust in our border security.
Investigators launched their probe after smuggling operatives claimed they had inside help within the border inspection ranks.
The officers allegedly informed co-conspirators in Mexico about their lane assignments, facilitating this illegal activity.
In exchange for their cooperation, these officers reportedly received thousands of dollars for each van allowed through without proper documentation checks.
Surveillance video footage solidified these accusations, showing these officers waving vehicles through without appropriate scrutiny.
Such disregard for procedure and duty shows a blatant disrespect for their responsibility to protect our nation.
“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,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden.
The investigation uncovered incriminating text messages and unexplained cash deposits in the officers’ bank accounts, further building the case against them.
Additionally, authorities seized nearly $70,000 from Almonte’s romantic partner, suspecting the funds are linked to this smuggling operation.
This scandal isn’t an isolated incident, with five officers in the San Diego area facing similar charges over the past two years.
Most notably, former border inspector Leonard Darnell George received a 23-year sentence for comparable crimes, demonstrating the severity of these actions and the need for rigorous enforcement to prevent future betrayals of this kind.
As the situation unfolds, Rodriguez’s attorney insists that his client is presumed innocent, while Almonte’s legal representation remains unknown.
Two U.S. border inspectors in Southern California were charged with accepting bribes to allow undocumented entry. https://t.co/xMD0gVFjbP
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) April 5, 2025
