Border inspectors accept bribes to smuggle undocumented immigrants in California
- Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, U.S. border inspectors, are charged for taking bribes to allow undocumented individuals entry.
- The investigation revealed that the officers communicated with human traffickers and accepted cash payments for allowing undocumented entry.
- The corruption scandal raises security concerns and highlights the ongoing issue of similar cases involving customs officers in Southern California.
In a significant corruption case, two U.S. border inspectors, Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, were charged with accepting bribes to facilitate the entry of undocumented migrants through the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Southern California. This port is recognized as the busiest land border crossing in the United States. The investigation began after three migrant smugglers arrested last year informed federal authorities that they had been collaborating with customs officers. Evidence, including phone communications and surveillance footage, revealed that Almonte and Rodriguez were involved in a scheme where they waved vehicles through inspections without proper documentation, reportedly receiving thousands of dollars for each vehicle. During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately $70,000 in cash linked to Almonte, raising suspicions of further illegal activities such as money laundering. This scandal highlights broader issues surrounding corruption within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as it is the fifth case involving officers facing similar charges in the San Diego area over the past two years. Federal authorities emphasize that any customs officer who assists smugglers endangers national security and undermines the integrity of immigration enforcement efforts. As the investigation progresses, the outcome for the officers remains uncertain, but prosecutors are treating this case as a severe breach of trust and responsibility.