Two U.S. Customs and Border Safety officers have been charged with taking bribes to let individuals 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 go by way of with out correct checks in trade for hundreds of {dollars}.
Based on courtroom paperwork unsealed Thursday, investigators discovered telephone messages between the officers and human smugglers in Mexico. Additionally they discovered giant unexplained money deposits within the officers’ financial institution accounts.
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In a single case caught on surveillance video, a automobile stopped at a checkpoint with two individuals inside, however solely the motive force was formally recorded as getting 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 Pictures)
When Almonte was arrested, investigators additionally allegedly seized almost $70,000 in money they consider his girlfriend was attempting to take to Tijuana. Prosecutors say he could face extra costs, together with cash laundering and attempting to cover proof, in line with The San Diego Union-Tribune.
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“Any Customs and Border Safety agent who helps smugglers is breaking their oath and placing our nationwide safety in danger,” 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 Pictures)
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 ahead to working by way of the present state of affairs,” Hawkins mentioned, calling Rodriguez “hardworking and constant.”
It’s not but clear if Almonte has a lawyer. Prior to now two years, 5 CBP officers within the San Diego space have confronted related corruption costs.
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The Nationwide Treasury Workers 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.
