A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Andres Wilkinson, is now facing serious federal criminal charges. He is accused of hiding a woman in the U.S. illegally, who also happens to be his girlfriend and possibly his niece.
According to the Justice Department, Wilkinson lived in Laredo, Texas, with this woman, who had overstayed her visa after entering the U.S. on a temporary visa in August 2023. The charges claim he provided her with financial support, including housing and credit cards, while they traveled together near Border Patrol checkpoints.
Wilkinson was reportedly aware of her illegal immigration status but continued their romantic relationship. Investigators found information suggesting that she is indeed his niece and married to another man. This husband initially filed for her green card in January 2024, but he later canceled the application.
The investigation by the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) revealed that Wilkinson had listed the woman’s father, J. Santos Garcia-Moreno, as his brother in background checks. When detained in February 2026, the woman confirmed she had been living with Wilkinson since August 2024.
If found guilty, Wilkinson, who has worked with CBP for almost 25 years and has held a supervisory role since 2021, could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. He is currently in custody, awaiting a detention hearing.
This case raises important questions about ethics and integrity within law enforcement. Experts in immigration law have pointed out that these issues can erode public trust in agencies meant to enforce the law. With recent statistics showing that nearly one in three Americans perceive corruption in government, this case may further fuel skepticism about immigration enforcement.
For further insights on this matter, refer to the Justice Department report here.
