Corruption involving border sheriffs and other law enforcement has been a recurring issue, 

primarily involving bribery to facilitate drug and human smuggling. Recent examples include a 2025 case in Mississippi where two sheriffs and other officers were charged with drug trafficking and bribery, and older cases in Texas involving former sheriffs arrested on federal charges for taking bribes from drug traffickers. Investigations have also revealed a broader problem with corruption, including former Border Patrol agents and other officials participating in bribery and smuggling schemes. 

Examples of corruption

• Mississippi (2025): Two sheriffs and 12 other law enforcement officers were indicted for a scheme to provide safe passage for drug trafficking in exchange for bribes, which sometimes reached tens of thousands of dollars, according to this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
• Texas (2014): Former Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino was arrested and convicted for accepting campaign contributions from a drug trafficker.
• Texas (2013): Former Starr County Sheriff Reymundo Guerra was arrested and convicted on federal drug charges for helping drug traffickers, according to this blog post.
• Texas (2015): The number of public officials convicted of federal crimes in South Texas was higher than in any other region of the country, with at least five sheriffs being arrested for corruption in the preceding years, reports NPR.
• Arizona (2023): A former Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges related to drug smuggling and was sentenced to 18 years in prison, says ICE. 

Impact of corruption

• Facilitation of crime: Corrupt officials can enable the flow of drugs, weapons, and human trafficking across the border.
• Increased risk: The FBI has stated that corrupt officials can expose the country to greater risks, such as the smuggling of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction, notes ABC News.
• Erosion of public trust: Corruption betrays public trust and can involve conspiracies and partnerships between law enforcement and criminal organizations, as detailed in this SDSU School of Public Affairs document. 

DPS: Border Security Incidents and Public Corruption

Sep 10, 2014 — News / DPS: Border Security Incidents and Public Corruption * Public Corruption: Public servants who engage in illegal activity or conspire with cri…

http://www.mattfortexas.org