U.S. Agent Charged in Immigrant Smuggling

A Mexican man who allegedly used a false document to become a U.S. Border Patrol agent was charged Friday with smuggling illegal immigrants through his patrol area in eastern San Diego County.

Oscar Antonio Ortiz, 28, and another Border Patrol agent this year allowed groups of as many as 50 migrants to cross into California, charging $300 per person, according to the criminal complaint.

Ortiz, authorities allege, is a Tijuana-born Mexican citizen who used a copy of a Chicago man’s birth certificate with his employment application in 2001.

He was arrested Thursday in Escondido in northern San Diego County and is being held in a federal detention facility until his bail hearing Aug. 18.

The other agent was not identified, and authorities would not comment on whether that agent would face charges.

Both agents were assigned to the El Cajon Border Patrol Station.

Ortiz, in several intercepted telephone conversations with the other agent, was allegedly heard discussing their arrangement with a Mexican smuggler to bring migrants through their patrol area about 50 miles east of San Diego.

In a phone conversation between the other agent and family members, the agent said, “We don’t do anything, just clear the way, and we get 300 per head,” according to the court documents.

Ortiz faces a possible maximum prison term of 13 years if convicted on the two felony counts.

“Fighting corruption at the border ranks among our highest priorities,” said Carol Lam, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California.

Ortiz’s attorney was not available for comment.