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US border officer facing life in prison for smuggling migrants, drugs: DOJ

A Customs and Border Protection officer, Manuel Perez Jr., was arrested in El Paso on charges of alien smuggling and drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas.
Federal prosecutors allege that Perez Jr. Conspired to possess cocaine and smuggled undocumented noncitizens from November 1, 2019, to February 5, 2025, as stated by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza.
If convicted, Perez Jr. Faces up to five years for human smuggling and ten years to life for drug trafficking, according to federal prosecutors.
The arrest is part of a broader investigation into alleged misconduct among U.S. Border officers, as noted by a CBP spokesperson.

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Straight Arrow News

US border officer facing life in prison for smuggling migrants, drugs: DOJ

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested in El Paso for allegedly smuggling migrants and drugs between December 2023 and February 2025. He is facing multiple charges, including human smuggling and drug trafficking, with a potential prison sentence of up to life. Prosecutors say Manuel Perez Jr. conspired to possess at least 11 pounds of cocaine, with intent to distribute through Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina. It’s unclear …

11 days ago

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KDFW

CBP officer arrested in Texas, charged with smuggling undocumented migrants

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent is accused to trying to bring undocumented migrants and drugs across the border.

12 days ago

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CBS Austin

US CBP officer arrested, charged with migrant smuggling and drug trafficking

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested in El Paso, Texas on criminal charges.

12 days ago

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El Paso Times

El Paso CBP officer arrested in human, drug smuggling border corruption case

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was allegedly involved in smuggling for years on the border in El Paso, Texas.

12 days ago·El Paso, United States

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Newsweek

Border agent arrested on smuggling and drug trafficking charges

The agent was arrested and charged in El Paso for allegedly smuggling undocumented noncitizens and alleged drug trafficking.

12 days ago·United States

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KTSM

CBP officer let drugs, migrants come across border for money, feds say

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) -- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented noncitizens for financial gain and alleged drug trafficking activity. According to court documents, between on or about Dec. 21, 2023 and Feb. 5, 2025, Manuel Perez Jr., 32, of El Paso, allegedly smuggled and attempted to smuggle undocumented noncitiz…

13 days ago

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