Two U.S. Customs and Border Safety officers have been charged with taking bribes to let folks enter the nation with out exhibiting paperwork at America’s busiest border crossing.
CBP Officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez labored on the San Ysidro Port of Entry and prosecutors say they let dozens of autos carrying unlawful immigrants cross by way of with out correct checks in change for hundreds of {dollars}.
In keeping with court docket paperwork unsealed Thursday, investigators discovered cellphone messages between the officers and human smugglers in Mexico. In addition they discovered massive unexplained money deposits within the officers’ financial institution accounts.
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In a single case caught on surveillance video, a automotive stopped at a checkpoint with two folks inside, however solely the motive force was formally recorded as coming into the U.S., prosecutors mentioned.
A checkpoint earlier than crossing into america at San Ysidro Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico (Francisco Vega/Getty Photographs)
When Almonte was arrested, investigators additionally allegedly seized practically $70,000 in money they imagine his girlfriend was attempting to take to Tijuana. Prosecutors say he could face extra fees, together with cash laundering and attempting to cover proof, in accordance with The San Diego Union-Tribune.
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“Any Customs and Border Protection agent who helps smugglers is breaking their oath and putting our national security at risk,” mentioned Appearing U.S. Legal professional Andrew Haden.
Automobiles queue on the San Ysidro crossing port in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico. (Guillermo Arias/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Rodriguez’s lawyer, Michael Hawkins, mentioned the case continues to be within the early levels and reminded the general public that Rodriguez is presumed harmless. “We look forward to working through the current situation,” Hawkins mentioned, calling Rodriguez “hardworking and loyal.”
It’s not but clear if Almonte has a lawyer. Up to now two years, 5 CBP officers within the San Diego space have confronted related corruption fees.
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The Nationwide Treasury Staff Union (NTEU), which represents CBP officers, didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
