Customs officials accused of accepting payments for allowing undocumented individuals to enter the U.S.
Headline: Border inspectors at San Ysidro Port of Entry accused of accepting bribes
Subheading: An ongoing issue with corruption within U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Southern California
Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez, have been charged with accepting bribes to let undocumented individuals enter the country at the busiest port of entry in Southern California: San Ysidro. Evidence includes phone conversations with human traffickers in Mexico and mysterious cash deposits in their bank accounts, according to a criminal complaint[1][2][3].
Surveillance footage uncovered at least one instance where a vehicle with an undocumented driver and passenger stopped at a checkpoint, but only the driver was documented as entering the country. Allegedly, both officers waved dozens of vehicles carrying undocumented individuals without valid documents[2]. They were paid thousands for each vehicle they waved through[2].
As of now, it's unclear if Almonte has legal representation. Rodriguez's attorney, Michael Hawkins, stated that the case is still in its early stages and that Rodriguez is presumed innocent[2]. Hawkins described Rodriguez as dedicated and loyal[2].
The probe into Almonte and Rodriguez originated from three migrant smugglers who were taken into custody last year. They informed federal investigators that they had been collaborating with U.S. border inspectors[1][3]. While Almonte was in detention, investigators allegedly seized nearly $70,000 they believe his romantic partner was attempting to transfer to Tijuana[3]. Prosecutors are considering additional charges for Almonte, including money laundering and obstruction of justice, according to the San Diego Union Tribune[3].
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden expressed concern about officers who aid or turn a blind eye to smugglers bringing undocumented immigrants into the U.S., as it endangers national security[4]. Corruption charges against U.S. CBP officers in the San Diego area have become increasingly common, with five officers facing charges in the last two years[1][3][4].
Precedent for this issue can be seen in the case of former U.S. border inspector Leonard Darnell George, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2024 for accepting bribes to allow people and drug-laden vehicles to enter the country through the San Ysidro border crossing[1][3][4]. Two other former border officers at nearby ports of entry (Otay Mesa and Tecate) were indicted with similar charges in 2024 and are set for trial this summer[1][3][4].
[1] Customs and Border Protection agency faced with corruption charges in Southern California. (2025, April 8). Retrieved from https://www.kcet.org/news/our-american-era/border-patrol-san-ysidro-corruption
[2] U.S. border inspectors arrested for taking bribes. (2025, April 8). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-border-inspectors-arrested-taking-bribes-2025-04-09/
[3] Immigrant smuggling probe leads to arrest of two U.S. border inspectors in San Diego. (2025, April 8). Retrieved from https://www.sdfountain.com/imminent/immigrant-smuggling-probe-brings-arrest-for-two-us-border-inspectors/article_7aaf94d4-d986-11ec-bdf7-6b3a13675f59.html
[4] Corruption charges against U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers continue in Southern California. (2025, April 9). Retrieved from https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/us-customs-border-protection-corruption-charges-south-california/2910367/
- Ysidro, nearly $70,000 in suspicious funds were seized, allegedly intended for Almonte's romantic partner, hinting at potential money laundering.
- evidence against Officers Almonte and Rodriguez includes phone conversations and mysterious cash deposits, as stated in the criminal complaint.
- Us officials are considering additional charges, including money laundering, for Almonte, in the light of the ongoing investigation.
