They were caught red-handed.
Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers based at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Southern California have been charged with accepting bribes in exchange for allowing undocumented individuals to enter the United States without proper inspection. According to federal prosecutors, the officers, Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, allegedly let vehicles bypass immigration checks in return for thousands of dollars per vehicle. Evidence gathered during the investigation includes phone records showing communication with human smugglers and unexplained cash deposits into the officers’ bank accounts.
Surveillance footage revealed concerning behavior, including one instance where a car containing both a driver and a passenger was waved through by the officers, although only the driver was officially recorded. Authorities say the officers facilitated the illegal entry of numerous people and may have endangered national security through their actions. The investigation was prompted by information provided by previously arrested migrant smugglers who claimed to have worked with U.S. border officials.
Almonte was taken into custody, and nearly $70,000 in cash was seized by investigators, allegedly intended to be transported to Tijuana by a person close to him. Prosecutors believe he could face additional charges, including money laundering and obstruction of justice. Rodriguez’s attorney stated that the case is still in the early stages and emphasized his client’s right to the presumption of innocence.
The incident has drawn strong criticism from law enforcement officials. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden stated that any border officer who collaborates with smugglers violates their duty and compromises public safety. This case adds to a series of corruption scandals involving border officers in the San Diego area, with several others facing charges or already convicted for similar misconduct over the past two years.
