| Pages:
1
2 |
DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
|
|
If A $100,000 Year (Salary & Benefits) CBP Agent Can Be Corrupted...
SAN DIEGO — Two former Border Patrol agents who are also brothers went on trial in federal court Friday, accused of smuggling scores of illegal
immigrants into the United States as part of a binational human-smuggling ring.
Raul and Fidel Villarreal each abruptly quit their jobs as agents six years ago after being tipped off that they were the target of a federal
investigation, prosecutors said. The brothers lived in Mexico for several years until they were caught in 2008 and sent back to the U.S. in 2009.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, immigrant smuggling, receiving bribes, money laundering and tampering with witnesses.
The case against the Villarreals is one of the higher profile corruption cases among border agency law enforcement personnel in recent years. Since
2004, more than 120 U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have been indicted nationally on various corruption charges. The agency oversees Border
Patrol and other border law enforcement agencies.
The notoriety of this trial may be because Raul Villarreal, 42, was for several years a Border Patrol spokesman in San Diego.
He appeared frequently in the news media on both sides of the border. He once portrayed a hardened immigrant smuggler in a public service message on
behalf of the Mexican government aimed at discouraging illegal immigration.
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Salel said Friday that watchdogging the border was the last thing on the minds of Raul or his 43-year-old brother,
Fidel.
“Instead of defending the border, they decided to profit from it,” Salel told jurors as the trial against the brothers began before U.S. District
Judge John Houston.
But J. David Nick, the lawyer for Raul Villarreal, told jurors that there is little direct evidence connecting his client to smuggling. He said the
government’s case rides mostly on testimony from paid informants and other members of the ring who agreed to cooperate against the brothers.
Salel said Raul, who joined the Border Patrol in 1995 and was assigned to the Imperial Beach station, was the founder of the organization. He worked
with Claudia Gonzalez of Tijuana to set up the ring in April 2005.
A few months later, he recruited to the group brother Fidel, who had joined the Border Patrol in 1998 and worked at the Brown Field station, Salel
said.
The ring eventually grew to some 14 people. Among them was a now deceased Tijuana municipal police chief, Gerardo Santiago Prado, who was killed in
2006. Santiago provided safe transport for illegal immigrants through Tijuana to the border.
There, a foot guide walked immigrants across through gaps in the fence or around the border fortifications, Salel said. They were met on the other
side by one of the Villarreal brothers, in full Border Patrol uniform, who loaded them into marked Border Patrol vehicles.
The immigrants were transported to designated areas where other drivers in the ring would pick them up from the Villarreals and take them further
north.
Corrupt law enforcement officers on both sides of the border virtually guaranteed safe passage — a “red carpet” for illegal immigrants recruited
mostly from Brazil, Salel said. Some of the immigrants, who paid up to $12,000 for safe passage, were later caught and may testify during the trial.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
|
|
|
sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline
|
|
They pick one once in a while, at Calexico they got
a CBP Officer letting drugs thru, the border traffic
would have to be light, as they rotate them to
ATTEMPT to stop that practice. Wonder how many
times this takes place, the illegals are one thing, the
drug smmugglers are another. Talked to a CBP
at a crossing a while back, he was transferred here from
a harbor on the East Coast, said they pay him
so well he could never quit. Went thru the Otay ped
crossing a while back, there were 2 CBP sitting with
their feet up, munching fritos, looking at the xray
machine, just kicking back, another trio were in
San Ysidro CBP bldg., laughing high fiving eachother
talking about their weekend, shall we say, lacking
professionalism
|
|
|
woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
|
|
hang 'em high, in public after they are convicted. OR put them in general population for 20 years.
|
|
|
BajaBruno
Super Nomad
Posts: 1035
Registered: 9-6-2006
Location: Back in CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy
|
|
"Since October 1, 2004, 138 CBP employees have been arrested or indicted for acts of corruption including drug smuggling, alien smuggling, money
laundering, and conspiracy. During this same period more than 2,000 CBP employees have been charged in other criminal misconduct, including off duty
behavior that serves to undermine the confidence of the public that we serve." Written testimony of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy
Commissioner Thomas Winkowski for a House Committee on Homeland Security.
This doesn't include those who were fired for misconduct without criminal charges.
This, from the same written testimony, "On May 1, 2012, the former Acting Director of Intelligence for ICE pled guilty to defrauding the Government of
more than $180,000 in a three year long scheme involving fraudulent travel vouchers and time and attendance claims." It seems that the problem
reaches pretty close to the top.
There are about 58,000 CBP employees, which means that about 4% have been arrested for corruption and other criminal misconduct. It is probably no
coincidence that the CBP has the lowest entrance standards of any federal law enforcement agency (no offense to any of the honest and well-qualified
CBP people out there).
Christopher Bruno, Elk Grove, CA.
|
|
|
thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3718
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy amable
|
|
Remember a few years back a top sergeant at Camp Pendleton Marine base was driving illegals across the base and past the I-5 checkpoint.
What a way to end a military career.
|
|
|
pascuale
Nomad
Posts: 224
Registered: 2-20-2005
Location: Somewhere South
Member Is Offline
Mood: Lets fish!
|
|
It is too bad that these scumbags give the hardworking agents a bad name. There are corrupt and lazy people in every occupation. Remember the good
ones.
|
|
|
Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
|
|
Unfortunately, there are the "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" in all professions both public and private. These corrupt people put all the others
in law enforcement at risk, as they give out any and all information just for another illegal payday. At least it appears there are pitfalls for
those that go this corrupt illegal path with jail time and disgrace awaiting them! Take Care & Travel Safe "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN"
bajafun777
|
|
|
Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline
|
|
Then anyone can be corrupted............Even if they were paid $300K/year they could be corrupted. Where there is a will, there is a way.
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
Market-Based Solutions
One way to turn the "problem(?)" on its head would be to PAY the agents an Incentive bonus for each Illegal
apprehended thereby encouraging them to actually do their jobs.
Imaginative agents could even work out a system whereby "some" would accept consignments from the coyotes and then notify fellow officers where they
could pick them up and splitting the returns among themselves.
EVERYBODY Wins.
Except the Illegals.
And we don't want them to win anyway.
DO we ?
Additionally:
With the proper profit incentive, perhaps we could even privatize Illegal roundup sweeps.
Why not offer "Turn-in" bounties to ordinary citizens.
Report an Illegal neighbor or co-worker and get a Walmart or Home Depot gift certificate.
Let the market work.
|
|
|
redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
Why yes! Let the "market" work. After all in Germany during the 1930's this very concept of turning in people yielded EXCELLENT results...
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
The German Model ?
From all of the History lessons, I don't remember THAT situation having to do with discovering and reporting
ILLEGAL ALIENS for the purpose of Deporting them BACK to where they belonged.
Feel free to cite the historical references available which may indicate such.
Thanks
|
|
|
motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Gettin' Better
|
|
Mr. B. ,
I think the German reference was regarding the vigilantism of "turning people in".
I think historical accounts would confirm that practice.
But, there are those that deny the holocaust.
Don't believe everything you think....
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
A GOOD Citizen
Turns in Lawbreakers.
Including neighbors if they deserve it.
I have in the past. And will in the future should the occasion arise.
So should YOU.
And you and you and you ...............
EVEN if there isn't a Gift Certificate in the offing.
BTW, "Vigilante" action is acting in a pseudo law-enforcement capacity.
Reporting those who act unlawfully to legitimate legal authorities is NOT being a vigilante.
[Edited on 7-17-2012 by MrBillM]
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
I reward my dog with a treat whenever he obeys a command. Without this reward, he is as bad and corruptible as a human.
I have always lamented that my dog couldn't be good just because it is the right thing to do.
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
Treating good behavior
Unfortunately, MY Dog KNOWS she'll get the treat so it doesn't do much for behavior modification.
MY behavior, on the other hand, is different. Two nights ago, long after the gates were locked and we were settled in, I found that her "Treats" were
down to one. Unlocked the gate, drove down to Walmart to resupply.
But, she's mostly a good girl. Other than thinking the neighborhood is her domain and anybody walking down the street is subject to loud reprimand.
The interaction with her is akin to Welfare. Those on the public Teat KNOW that they'll be receiving their reward no matter
what and act accordingly.
|
|
|
captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
Member Is Offline
Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
|
|
and folks say mex is corrupt!!
| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBruno
"Since October 1, 2004, 138 CBP employees have been arrested or indicted for acts of corruption including drug smuggling, alien smuggling, money
laundering, and conspiracy. During this same period more than 2,000 CBP employees have been charged in other criminal misconduct, including off duty
behavior that serves to undermine the confidence of the public that we serve." Written testimony of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy
Commissioner Thomas Winkowski for a House Committee on Homeland Security.
This doesn't include those who were fired for misconduct without criminal charges.
This, from the same written testimony, "On May 1, 2012, the former Acting Director of Intelligence for ICE pled guilty to defrauding the Government of
more than $180,000 in a three year long scheme involving fraudulent travel vouchers and time and attendance claims." It seems that the problem
reaches pretty close to the top.
There are about 58,000 CBP employees, which means that about 4% have been arrested for corruption and other criminal misconduct. It is probably no
coincidence that the CBP has the lowest entrance standards of any federal law enforcement agency (no offense to any of the honest and well-qualified
CBP people out there). |
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
Those Who Say .............
..............Mexico is CORRUPT are ABSOLUTELY Correct.
Regardless of what exists ANYWHERE else.
|
|
|
thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3718
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy amable
|
|
How did your ancestors get here, Sir???
| Quote: | Originally posted by MrBillM
Turns in Lawbreakers.
Including neighbors if they deserve it.
I have in the past. And will in the future should the occasion arise.
So should YOU.
And you and you and you ...............
EVEN if there isn't a Gift Certificate in the offing.
BTW, "Vigilante" action is acting in a pseudo law-enforcement capacity.
Reporting those who act unlawfully to legitimate legal authorities is NOT being a vigilante.
[Edited on 7-17-2012 by MrBillM] |
I know that some of mine came from Norway, some from Ireland and some from Denmark, I also know that none of them had papers....
My wife came across at age 20 with deceased parents and no support, she "did the river"
Twice,
She has a passport, just like yours, a business (actually two of them) and pays all of her taxes (lots of taxes)
Should we deport her?
Hey, she can prove she earned her citizenship,
how did you get yours????????????
|
|
|
redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by MrBillM
From all of the History lessons, I don't remember THAT situation having to do with discovering and reporting
ILLEGAL ALIENS for the purpose of Deporting them BACK to where they belonged.
Feel free to cite the historical references available which may indicate such.
Thanks |
Bill
If you honestly believe there that the Germans did not consider Jews to be "illegal aliens", then I want some of what you are smoking. The historical
references might be something called "history".
|
|
|
MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
|
|
MY ancestors arrivals ?
All traced have been LEGAL.
Starting with a paternal antecedent BEFORE there was a U.S.A. to (the Crown colony of) Massachusetts.
In 1635.
[Edited on 7-18-2012 by MrBillM]
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
