Two U.S. border inspectors in Southern California are now facing federal charges for allegedly doing just that.
They’re accused of taking bribes to let undocumented migrants cruise past checkpoints at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest crossing into the U.S.
According to prosecutors, officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez used their positions to wave through dozens of cars packed with undocumented passengers.
They asked no questions and required no paperwork.
Each wave reportedly came with a nice payoff: thousands in cold, hard cash.
What Happened?
Investigators got wind of the scheme after three smugglers spilled the beans last year.
Texts with traffickers, surveillance footage, and unexplained cash deposits painted a damning picture.
When Almonte was arrested, nearly $70,000 in cash was seized—allegedly en route to Tijuana.
“Any agent who turns a blind eye to smugglers is betraying their oath and endangering national security,” Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden said.
Rodriguez’s lawyer insists it’s early days and that his client remains innocent.
Still, the case adds to a troubling pattern—five border officers in San Diego alone have faced similar charges in the last two years.
It’s a harsh reminder: when corruption creeps in from the inside, even the most fortified borders start to crack.
