News Summary
Diego Bonillo, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, has pled guilty to federal charges of drug importation, admitting involvement with a Mexican drug trafficking organization. His plea follows a similar admission from another officer, revealing systemic corruption within border enforcement. Bonillo allowed vehicles loaded with drugs to pass unchecked through inspection lanes, facilitating the entry of approximately 1,150 pounds of illicit substances into the U.S. Sentencing for both officers is forthcoming, as the case raises serious concerns about integrity within the CBP.
San Diego – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Diego Bonillo, 30, pled guilty on July 28, 2025, to federal charges related to drug importation. His admission follows accusations that he was involved in importing significant quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and that he conspired to facilitate these illegal activities. Bonillo’s plea occurred just before his scheduled trial, where he faced charges for allowing drug-laden vehicles to pass unchecked through inspection lanes at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on the U.S.-Mexico border.
As part of his plea agreement, Bonillo disclosed that he had been collaborating with a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico. This organization was reportedly involved in smuggling operations that likely allowed a considerable amount of narcotics into the U.S. This plea follows the earlier guilty plea of another CBP officer, Jesse Clark Garcia, who, on July 8, admitted to nine related charges of facilitating drug trafficking.
Both Bonillo and Garcia utilized coded communication, specifically an “emoji-based code,” to coordinate their efforts with drug traffickers about their work schedules and assigned inspection lanes. Prosecutors highlighted that the illicit payments received from these activities enabled both officers to lead lifestyles far beyond what their salaries would typically allow.
Garcia is reported to have received “tens of thousands of dollars per vehicle” for permitting the passage of vehicles loaded with drugs without inspection. The illicit proceeds from these operations supported Garcia’s ownership of a horse-racing stable, several vehicles, a residence in San Diego, and a ranch under construction in Mexico. Similarly, Bonillo was known to spend lavishly, including expenses for extravagant vacations, and was even apprehended in Las Vegas holding $2,000 tickets to high-profile boxing matches.
According to investigative records, the two officers are implicated in the unauthorized entry of approximately 1,150 pounds of drugs into the U.S. from April 2021 to February 2024. Investigators observed patterns suggesting that the suspected drug smugglers primarily crossed the border when Garcia was working, raising serious concerns about systemic corruption within CBP.
Both Bonillo and Garcia were part of a federal probe led by the FBI’s San Diego Border Corruption Task Force, which aims to root out corruption amongst border enforcement. Sentencing for Bonillo is scheduled for November 7, 2025, while Garcia’s sentencing is slated for September 26, 2025.
The CBP has publicly declared a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct within its ranks, emphasizing its commitment to cooperating fully with all investigations regarding alleged wrongdoings by its employees.
This case highlights ongoing challenges related to corruption within border enforcement agencies, raising significant questions about the integrity of those tasked with safeguarding national borders against drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Arrested in San Diego Drug and Firearms Investigation
San Diego Lifts Summer Moratorium on Coastal Construction
CBP Officer Pleads Guilty to Drug Importation Charges
Additional Resources
- San Diego Times: CBP Officer Pleads Guilty
- Wikipedia: Drug Importation
- IV Press: Two CBP Officers Plead Guilty
- Google Search: Drug Importation
- Fox 5 San Diego: Customs Officers Plead Guilty
- Google Scholar: Border Corruption
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Former CBP Officer Admits Guilt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
- MSN: San Diego Pleads Guilty to Drug Import Scheme
- Google News: Customs Officers Drug Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
