News Summary
Jesse Clark Garcia, a U.S. Customs officer in San Diego, has pleaded guilty to federal drug importation charges involving fentanyl and cocaine. Prosecutors allege he accepted significant bribes to allow drug-laden vehicles through the border. With a lifestyle inconsistent with his earnings, Garcia’s case raises serious concerns about corruption in the CBP. Another officer, Diego Bonillo, faces similar charges. Both were implicated in allowing over 1,150 pounds of drugs into the U.S. The Justice Department remains committed to combating corruption within its ranks.
San Diego, CA – Jesse Clark Garcia, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer based in San Diego, has pleaded guilty to serious federal drug importation charges. The plea, which took place in federal court on Tuesday, included nine counts associated with the importation of significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Prosecutors have claimed that Garcia received “tens of thousands of dollars per vehicle” to allow drug-laden vehicles to pass through the U.S.-Mexico border. The court documents reveal that Garcia’s lifestyle was inconsistent with his earnings as a CBP officer, suggesting he lived “well-above his CBP salary.” His assets included co-ownership of a horse-racing stable, multiple vehicles, a residence in San Diego, and a ranch under construction in Mexico. Additionally, he purchased luxury items from high-end brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton.
During his assignments, Garcia was allegedly directed by drivers to funnel drug-laden vehicles through specific lanes at the Tecate Port of Entry. Investigations indicate that this smuggling operation began in April 2021, and authorities discovered that the Tecate Port of Entry was used exclusively by smugglers when Garcia was on duty. The Justice Department has stated a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption among its officers.
Garcia is scheduled to receive his sentencing in September. Meanwhile, another CBP officer, Diego Bonillo, faces similar charges related to drug importation at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, and is expected to go to trial later this month. The two officers were arrested in May 2024 as part of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Border Corruption Task Force.
Garcia attempted to evade capture by crossing into Mexico before being arrested and subsequently returned to the United States by Mexican authorities. Bonillo, on the other hand, was apprehended in Las Vegas, where he was reportedly staying at an expensive hotel and purchased $2,000 boxing match tickets.
According to the indictment, both Garcia and Bonillo allowed over 1,150 pounds of illicit drugs to enter the United States on five separate occasions. These actions have drawn serious scrutiny towards the CBP, shining a light on the ongoing battle against corruption within the agency responsible for securing the nation’s borders.
The arrests of Garcia and Bonillo reflect the rigorous efforts by federal agencies to combat corruption and uphold the integrity of the CBP. With ongoing investigations and trials approaching, the spotlight remains on the accountability of public service employees tasked with enforcing immigration and customs laws.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KESQ News
- Wikipedia: Corruption
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Google Search: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- South Pasadena News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug smuggling
- NBC San Diego
- Google News: drug importation san diego
