Border Patrol agent arrested for human smuggling, DA says

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Border Patrol agent was arrested on human smuggling charges, authorities said.

Jorge Alonso was arrested on charges of smuggling of persons and criminal conspiracy, according to Cameron County Jail records.

_{Jorge Alonso (Cameron County Jail)}

On May 22, investigators with the Cameron County District Attorney's Office, along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility and the McAllen Field Office of Homeland Security arrested Alonso.

The Cameron County District Attorney's Office stated that Alonso is a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

According to a news release, Alonso encouraged and coached a migrant to enter the U.S. through a port of entry and make a claim of legal status.

"Alonso also allegedly provided a fraudulent U.S. Birth Certificate," the release stated.

Authorities said that the goal of the conspiracy was to establish a basis for further illegal crossings based on the birth certificate.

"This type of smuggling offense is a special third-degree felony and carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years," the DA stated.

Jail records show Alonso is pending arraignment.

The case remains under investigation.