Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents at the Border
Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents, FBI, DEA, at the Border and More. The U.S.- Mexico border has long been a battleground in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Yet, a lesser-known and equally troubling battle involves the corruption of federal agents — from corrections officers and border patrol to FBI and DEA agents. This episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio show and Podcast explores how cartels corrupt federal agents, the investigations that unveil these betrayals, and the outcomes. Follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.
Cartel corruption of Federal Agents often begins with small, seemingly harmless actions by federal agents. For instance, a border patrol officer might turn a blind eye to suspicious activity in exchange for a quick payoff or accept a small bribe for allowing contraband through. These seemingly minor transgressions can escalate, gradually entangling the agents in a web of cartel operations. Once compromised, agents find themselves increasingly beholden to criminal groups, leading to more significant acts of corruption. Listen to this interview as a free podcast on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
The journey from minor misconduct to severe criminal involvement is often marked by a series of careless, even mindless, decisions. According to Ken Strange, a retired federal agent with the FBI, USAID, and the Department of Justice (DOJ), "many major corruption investigations are triggered by stupid, mindless incidents by the officers involved." Strange's insights are informed by years of experience investigating cartel corruption among federal agents. His new book, A Cop's Son: One G-Man's Fight Against Jihad, Global Fraud, and the Cartels, sheds light on the multi-faceted corruption efforts by cartels targeting FBI and DEA agents.
Ken Strange's career spanned three federal agencies — the FBI, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the DOJ — and involved conflicts with jihadists, cartels, and international fraudsters. In his book, he breaks down his federal career into three parts: the fight against jihad (FBI), the fight against global fraud (USAID OIG), and the fight against the cartels (DOJ OIG). The book has received praise from notable figures in law enforcement, including former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly and former LAPD Chief William Bratton. Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents, FBI, DEA, at the Border and More.
Strange's book is more than just a recounting of his experiences; it is a unique exploration of the variety of investigative stories accrued across three distinguished U.S. government agencies. His friend, a prominent Hollywood actor, has even suggested that the book's final chapter would make for a great movie. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, MeWe and other social media platforms. Articles about this are on Newsbreak and Medium.
The FBI has intensified its focus on corruption at the Southwest border. Out of the 700 agents dedicated to combating public corruption, about 120 are assigned to this region. These agents coordinate their investigative efforts with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG), Customs and Border Protection Internal Affairs (CBP-IA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The results of these efforts are significant: over 400 public corruption cases have originated from this region, leading to more than 100 arrests and over 130 state and federal cases prosecuted in FY 2009 alone. To further these efforts, the FBI has established 12 border corruption task forces along the Southwest border, which share intelligence with groups such as the Southwest Intelligence Group (SWIG), the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC), and Mexican legal attachés to identify and disrupt Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents, FBI, DEA, at the Border and More. The interview is available as a free podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website or most major podcast platforms.
International cooperation is crucial in the fight against cartel corruption. The FBI, for example, has strengthened its ties with Mexican law enforcement. Recently, the FBI’s McAllen office hosted 30 Mexican police officers for a week of training and information sharing through the Mexican American Liaison and Law Enforcement Training (MALLET) program. This week-long initiative included modules on ethics, firearms, and investigative techniques aimed at building law enforcement contacts with the Mexican government.
During a Senate hearing, Senator Mark Pryor expressed concerns about cartels infiltrating U.S. law enforcement, stating, "U.S. border defenses have been beefed up, which has helped to squeeze these drug routes. However, to gain an advantage, the cartels have begun to infiltrate U.S. law enforcement." This infiltration is not limited to federal agents; state and local governments are also targets.
A recent news report highlighted a 40% increase in corruption arrests within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and dozens of investigations are currently underway. While other federal agencies, like the DEA, FBI, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are also targeted, CBP appears most vulnerable due to its frontline role and rapid expansion in recent years. The doubling of its size over the past decade has introduced many new faces, some of whom may not be fully vetted. Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents, FBI, DEA, at the Border and More. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, MeWe, Pinterest and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news.
There is a growing concern that CBP is not employing all available tools to screen job applicants effectively. The agency aims to polygraph all applicants, but currently, only about 10% are tested. This lack of thorough screening raises concerns not just about drugs, but also about guns, money, and even the potential for terrorists entering the U.S. if border defenses are weakened.
A report from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s office has called for a reassessment of U.S. security cooperation with Mexico. Tracing allegations of corruption back to the 1980s, the report accuses U.S. officials of overlooking Mexican corruption to secure cooperation in drug seizures and arrests. This leniency has come at a cost, placing U.S. agents at risk and undermining the long-term fight against cartels.
"For the past 40 years, U.S. officials have overlooked widespread corruption in Mexico in favor of cooperating with and funneling resources to foreign actors," the report states. It urges Congress to reevaluate Washington's security cooperation policies in the Western Hemisphere. The DEA continues to pursue evidence globally, including investigations and prosecutions related to public corruption. Cartel Corruption of Federal Agents, FBI, DEA, at the Border and More. Listen to the interview which is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website and most major podcast Platforms.
The corruption of federal agents by cartels at the U.S.-Mexico border remains a pressing issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, involving stricter vetting processes, stronger international cooperation, and a commitment to transparency. The battle against corruption is ongoing, and understanding its complexities is the first step toward winning it. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, MeWe, Pinterest, Newsbreak, Medium and other social media platforms.
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