By Steve Neavling
A Border Patrol agent in Arizona has been arrested on human smuggling charges.
Jorge Alonso was charged with smuggling and criminal conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege Alonso helped an undocumented immigrant cross a port of entry using false claims and documentation, including a fraudulent U.S. birth certificate, according to a news release from the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
“Alonso allegedly encouraged and coached an undocumented immigrant to enter into the U.S. via a Port of Entry and make a claim to legal status,” the news release states. “Alonso also allegedly provided a fraudulent U.S. Birth Certificate. The goal of the conspiracy was to establish a basis for further illegal crossings based on the fraudulent U.S. Birth Certificate.”
Alonso was arrested May 22.
The investigation was handled by the DA’s office, CBP, the Office of Professional responsibility, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of Inspector General.
