Border Patrol Agent Fernando Castillo Gets 18 Months for $5,000 Bribe

A former Border Patrol agent has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for soliciting a $5,000 bribe from a foreign national in El Paso, Texas.

Fernando Castillo, 42, of El Paso, was caught in June 2023 with the false documentation in his possession, according to court documents. Castillo, a Border Patrol agent with Customs and Border Protection, promised the individual that a payment of $5,000 would secure immigration paperwork allowing them to remain in the United States.

The scheme was uncovered after agents apprehended Castillo in possession of the false documents shortly after he met with the individual.

On February 1, 2024, Castillo pled guilty to one count of bribery of a public official in U.S. District Court. He was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment on May 9, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza decried Castillo’s actions as a betrayal of public trust. “A federal officer who sells his office for personal gain shatters public trust in government officials,” Esparza said. “Unfortunately, Castillo’s crime unfairly tarnishes the honest officers who serve the public with dedication day in and day out.”

FBI El Paso Field Office Special Agent in Charge John Morales echoed Esparza’s sentiments, stating that Castillo’s actions “betrayed the oath he took to faithfully serve the citizens of the United States of America.” Morales encouraged the public to report corrupt activity to the FBI El Paso Field Office.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, and United States Customs and Border Protection-Office of Professional Responsibility, with Assistant U.S. Attorney John Johnston prosecuting the case.