California Border Patrol officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez accused of taking bribes to wave in people without documents

Two US border inspectors in Southern California have recently been charged with accepting bribes to allow individuals to enter the country without proper documentation through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest port of entry in the nation. Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, who were both US Customs and Border Protection officers stationed at immigration inspection booths in the port of entry, were implicated in the scandal after investigators uncovered incriminating evidence.

According to a criminal complaint that was unsealed on Thursday, phone records revealed that Almonte and Rodriguez had been in communication with human traffickers in Mexico. Additionally, unexplained cash deposits were discovered in their bank accounts, further highlighting their involvement in the illegal activity. Surveillance footage also captured instances where vehicles carrying passengers without proper documents were waved through by the officers.

It was reported that the two officers accepted thousands of dollars in bribes for each vehicle they allowed to enter without proper documentation. While Almonte’s legal representation remains unknown, Rodriguez’s attorney, Michael Hawkins, emphasized his client’s presumption of innocence and described him as hardworking and loyal.

The investigation into Almonte and Rodriguez was initiated following the arrest of three migrant smugglers, who disclosed their collaboration with US border inspectors to federal investigators. Almonte was found in possession of nearly $70,000 in cash while in custody, which authorities believe his romantic partner was attempting to move to Tijuana. Additional charges of money laundering and obstruction of justice may be brought against Almonte, as per a court filing.

Acting US Attorney Andrew Haden expressed concern over the betrayal of oath and national security risks posed by Customs and Border Protection agents who aid or turn a blind eye to smugglers bringing undocumented immigrants into the country. He emphasized the severity of the situation and the importance of upholding integrity within the agency.

Notably, this is not an isolated incident, as five US Customs and Border Protection officers in the San Diego area have faced similar corruption charges in the last two years. In a separate case, former border inspector Leonard Darnell George was sentenced to 23 years in prison for accepting bribes to allow individuals and drug-laden vehicles to enter the country through the San Ysidro border crossing. Additionally, two other former border officers at the Otay Mesa and Tecate ports of entry are set to stand trial this summer on similar charges.

The prevalence of corruption within the agency underscores the importance of stringent oversight and accountability measures to maintain the integrity of border security operations. It is imperative that steps be taken to eradicate such misconduct and uphold the values of honesty and professionalism within the Customs and Border Protection agency.