A former border officer is under federal indictment after investigators linked him to a smuggling operation involving illegal migrants and narcotics. Prosecutors allege that Manuel Perez Jr. — a former Customs and Border Protection officer — took bribes to allow unlawful crossings and aided in drug trafficking.
Perez, 32, was arrested on February 8 following an investigation by the FBI’s West Texas Border Corruption Task Force. Authorities claim he had direct ties to La Linea — a cartel operating in Juárez — and used his position at the Paso Del Norte bridge to facilitate smuggling operations.
"El Paso CBP officer arrested for human smuggling was allegedly in Mexican drug cartel"
Manuel Perez, former CBP Officer, jailed and denied parole.
A fox guarding a hen house.
Does the absurdity ever end…#Border #CORRUPTION #CBP pic.twitter.com/LNCQysZuiJ
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) February 15, 2025
WHERE IS THE STORY about the CBP Officer Manuel Perez Jr who was a member of the La Linea drug cartel, smuggling humans? I can't find it.
— Carpe Diem (@SwampDrainDC) February 14, 2025
Court documents state that Perez accepted payments of $2,500 per migrant to let them bypass security screenings at the border. Prosecutors estimate he earned up to $400,000 from the scheme, which allegedly began in December 2023. Evidence from intercepted calls suggests smugglers described his lane as a “100% guaranteed” entry point.
CBP Officer Arrested for Alleged Cartel Smuggling.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of smuggling migrants at the El Paso, Texas, border was allegedly a member of a Mexican drug cartel, a federal agent testified Thursday.
Manuel Perez Jr., 32, was arrested…— Lance (@LanceMahan56338) February 14, 2025
In addition to migrant smuggling, Perez is accused of assisting in the transportation of cocaine. Prosecutors say he played a role in moving at least 8 kilograms of the drug to destinations in Louisiana and North Carolina — with financial records and surveillance confirming his involvement. He reportedly admitted to receiving $20,000 for his participation.
A search of Perez’s home in Juárez revealed $18,000 in cash, and witnesses testified that he spent most of his time in Mexico. Prosecutors stated that he often carried weapons and allegedly believed he could continue criminal activities if detained in Mexico.
A federal judge ruled against granting Perez bond, citing his ties to organized crime and risk of fleeing. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life behind bars. His defense attorney has challenged the reliability of witnesses, suggesting they are cooperating with authorities in hopes of receiving lighter sentences.
