AssetID: 54652129
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Two U.S. Border Agents Charged With Taking Bribes to Let Undocumented Migrants Enter
Caption: Two U.S. Border Agents Charged With Taking Bribes to Let Undocumented Migrants Enter. Two U.S. border officers in California have been charged with taking bribes to let people enter the country without proper documents, according to federal prosecutors. Officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez worked at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the nation’s busiest land border crossing. Investigators uncovered text messages with human traffickers in Mexico and unexplained cash deposits into their accounts. Surveillance footage showed one instance where a driver and passenger stopped at the checkpoint, but only the driver was officially recorded. Prosecutors say the officers waved through dozens of undocumented individuals and were paid thousands of dollars per vehicle. The case began after three arrested migrant smugglers revealed their ties to U.S. border inspectors, sparking a wider probe. While in custody, nearly $70,000 in cash linked to Almonte was seized, allegedly being moved to Tijuana by his partner. Almonte may face further charges, including money laundering and obstruction of justice, officials told the San Diego Union Tribune. The case follows a troubling trend—five border agents in the San Diego region have faced corruption charges in just two years. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden said such actions “betray their oath” and put national security at risk. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Farlis Almonte,Ricardo Rodriguez,San Ysidro Port of Entry,border inspector bribery,undocumented immigrants,human traffickers,Customs and Border Protection,money laundering,obstruction of justice,Andrew Haden,border corruption,migrant smuggling,U.S. immigration,CBP misconduct,San Diego news,bribery charges,national security,law enforcement ethics,border patrol scandal,human trafficking
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