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A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for accepting bribes from migrants. Omar Moreno, 46, of Horizon City, Texas, pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official and bringing in non-citizens for financial gain.
Moreno received $120,000 in bribes, accepting $4,000 per person he illegally allowed to cross the U.S.-Mexico border at El Paso’s Zaragoza Bridge. A smuggler who worked with Moreno told authorities they helped approximately 30 people enter the U.S. illegally.
The FBI launched an investigation in December 2022 after two migrants reported paying $16,000 to be smuggled into the country. They revealed that a CBP officer facilitated their entry at the Ysleta port of entry, allowing them to bypass inspection after providing a code word.
An informant later confirmed Moreno’s involvement in the smuggling operation, which spanned several months. Video footage from February 1, 2024, shows Moreno escorting two undocumented individuals through the Ysleta crossing without inspection.
Undercover officers posing as migrants apprehended Moreno on February 23, 2024.
FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales condemned Moreno’s actions, stating that he “tarnished the badge” and betrayed the public’s trust.