A former border protection officer is facing serious federal charges after authorities linked him to a smuggling network allowing illegal crossings and drug transportation. Prosecutors allege that Manuel Perez Jr., 32, used his position at a Texas border crossing to assist a cartel in bypassing security.
Perez was arrested on February 8 after an investigation by the FBI’s West Texas Border Corruption Task Force. Prosecutors claim he was associated with La Linea, a cartel that dominates the Juárez drug trade. A judge denied his request for bond, citing concerns about his connections to organized crime.
Authorities say Perez manipulated the screening process at the Paso Del Norte bridge, charging migrants $2,500 each to pass through his lane without inspection. They estimate he may have collected up to $400,000, and intercepted phone calls reportedly reveal smugglers promising guaranteed entry due to his involvement.
"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
In addition to human smuggling, Perez is accused of assisting drug traffickers. Federal agents say he helped transport at least 8 kilograms of cocaine to various U.S. locations, including Louisiana and North Carolina. Investigators say he admitted to receiving $20,000 for his role in the operation.
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
A raid on Perez’s home in Juárez uncovered $18,000 in cash, and witnesses testified that he spent most of his time in Mexico. Prosecutors presented testimony that he often carried a firearm and allegedly believed he could continue his criminal activities if arrested in Mexico.
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
Perez remains in federal custody and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. His legal team argues that the prosecution’s witnesses may be unreliable, suggesting they have an incentive to provide information in exchange for leniency in their own cases.
