A Customs and Border Protection officer, Manuel Perez Jr., has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested in El Paso on serious charges that include smuggling undocumented individuals and engaging in drug trafficking activities. The 32-year-old resident of El Paso crossed the line from law enforcer to lawbreaker from as early as December 2023 to the start of February 2025, as per the U.S. Department of Justice.
It's alleged that Perez Jr. abused his position by allowing vehicles driven by undocumented noncitizens to pass through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry as part of what appears to be an ongoing human smuggling operation. Furthermore, he's accused of being involved in a drug ring that dealt with no less than 5kg of cocaine destined for distribution across multiple states, including Texas and Louisiana. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced the charges, that Perez Jr. now faces, which could see him facing up to five years in federal prison for the smuggling conspiracy charge and life for drug trafficking if convicted.
In terms of the specific criminal charges, the indictment lists one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States for profit, three counts of bringing aliens into the country for financial gain, and one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance to distribute. Sentencing, which is yet to be determined by a federal district court judge, will be influenced by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors.
The bust is the product of a joint investigative effort involving multiple agencies, including FBI El Paso, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, all part of FBI El Paso West Texas Border Corruption Task Force. This task force received additional support from other entities such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Johnston is charged with prosecuting this case.
