A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer is under federal indictment after authorities uncovered an alleged scheme involving human smuggling and drug trafficking at the Texas border. Manuel Perez Jr., 32, was arrested following an investigation that linked him to La Linea, a Mexican cartel operating in Juárez.
Perez, who was fired from CBP after his arrest, is accused of taking bribes to allow illegal migrants to cross the Paso Del Norte international bridge undetected. Investigators say he charged $2,500 per person for safe passage through his inspection lane, allegedly making as much as $400,000 from the scheme.
"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
Federal prosecutors presented evidence in court that smugglers referred to Perez as a guaranteed passage into the U.S. because they had him “in their pocket.” Authorities say he manipulated CBP records by entering false information, making it appear as though the smuggled individuals were legal border crossers.
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 is accused of transporting drugs for the cartel. Investigators say he helped move at least 8 kilograms of cocaine from Texas to Louisiana and North Carolina, reportedly receiving a $20,000 payment for his role. License plate readers and hotel records allegedly confirmed his connection to drug routes used by organized crime.
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
Testimony in court revealed that Perez spent more than 80% of his time in Mexico when off duty. A search of his home in Juárez uncovered $18,000 in cash, and witnesses claimed he was frequently armed and had strong ties to criminal elements in the region.
A federal judge denied Perez’s request for bond, citing the risk that he would flee and his deep involvement with cartel operations. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.
