A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer is facing serious federal charges after investigators uncovered his alleged ties to a Mexican drug cartel. Authorities say Manuel Perez Jr., 32, used his position at the border in El Paso, Texas, to smuggle both illegal migrants and narcotics in exchange for cash payments.

Perez was arrested on February 8 after an FBI-led task force found evidence linking him to La Linea, a cartel known for its control of drug trafficking operations in Juárez. During a court hearing, a federal magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody without bond, citing his potential flight risk and connections to organized crime.

Investigators say Perez exploited his position at the Paso Del Norte international bridge by allowing illegal migrants to pass through his inspection lane in exchange for $2,500 per person. Prosecutors estimate he may have collected up to $400,000 since the scheme began in December 2023. Evidence obtained from intercepted phone calls allegedly revealed smugglers boasting that crossings in Perez’s lane were “100% guaranteed” because they had “the officer in their pocket.”

Testimony in court revealed that multiple witnesses identified Perez as a member of La Linea. He reportedly spent over 80% of his time in Mexico when off duty, and a search of his Juárez home uncovered $18,000 in cash. Witnesses further claimed he was often armed, even while sleeping.

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 is also accused of participating in drug trafficking, allegedly helping to move at least 8 kilograms of cocaine from El Paso to Louisiana and North Carolina. Prosecutors say he admitted to receiving a $20,000 payment for transporting drugs, and evidence from license plate readers and hotel records reportedly confirmed his movements along known cartel trafficking routes.

If convicted, Perez could face a prison sentence of 10 years to life. His defense attorney has argued that witness testimony is unreliable, claiming those providing information are doing so to benefit their own cases.