Two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have pleaded guilty to collaborating with drug trafficking networks by allowing vehicles loaded with illegal drugs to cross into the United States from Mexico, according to federal prosecutors.

Jesse Clark García, 37, and Diego Bonillo, 30, face charges including conspiracy and trafficking of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Both men entered guilty pleas in federal court after it was revealed they used a coded messaging system involving emojis to coordinate with traffickers at the Tecate and Otay Mesa border crossings, located between Baja California and California.

According to the prosecutors, the agents would inform the traffickers which inspection lanes were under their supervision, allowing drug-laden vehicles to pass without being searched. Bonillo admitted to allowing at least 75 pounds of fentanyl into the country.

Spanish version: Agentes fronterizos confiesan complicidad con cárteles

In addition to facilitating the drug smuggling operations, the agents used their illicit profits to fund domestic and international travel, luxury purchases, and attempted real estate investments in Mexico.

Both men could face up to life in prison. García’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 26, while Bonillo is set to be sentenced on November 7.

This case highlights growing concerns over internal corruption within border enforcement agencies, which play a critical role in combating drug trafficking between Mexico and the United States.