Ex-Border Patrol Agent Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes From Smugglers

The former official admits to opening fences for illegal immigrants and drug traffickers in exchange for payments.

Border Patrol agents monitor migrant crossings in Jacumba, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A former U.S. Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty in federal court Feb. 1, admitting he smuggled illegal immigrants and drugs into the country in exchange for cash.

Hector Hernandez, 55, said he used his official position to open fences and allow people and narcotics to enter from Mexico, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.