A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer is facing federal charges after authorities say he collaborated with a Mexican cartel to smuggle illegal migrants and drugs across the Texas border. Federal prosecutors allege that Manuel Perez Jr., 32, accepted bribes to allow unauthorized border crossings and assisted in drug transportation.
Perez was arrested on February 8 following an investigation by the FBI’s West Texas Border Corruption Task Force. Prosecutors claim he was closely tied to La Linea, a cartel based in Juárez, and used his position at the Paso Del Norte bridge in El Paso 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
According to authorities, Perez charged migrants $2,500 each to bypass security screenings, making it possible for them to enter the U.S. undetected. Prosecutors estimate that he may have earned as much as $400,000 from the scheme since December 2023. Surveillance and intercepted communications reportedly show smugglers guaranteeing safe passage through his inspection lane.
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
In addition to human smuggling, Perez allegedly played a role in trafficking cocaine. Investigators say he helped transport at least 8 kilograms of the drug to Louisiana and North Carolina, receiving $20,000 in payments. Surveillance evidence and financial records reportedly connect him to the operation.
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
Federal agents searching his home in Juárez discovered $18,000 in cash. Witnesses claim he spent the majority of his time in Mexico and was frequently armed. Prosecutors also noted that he allegedly preferred to be arrested in Mexico, believing he could continue criminal activities while behind bars.
A judge denied Perez’s request for bond, determining he posed a significant flight risk. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, with the possibility of life in prison. His defense team has challenged the credibility of witnesses, arguing they may be cooperating in hopes of securing lesser penalties in their own cases.
