EL PASO: A veteran El Paso Customs and Border Protection supervisor has been arrested and charged with attempted alien smuggling.
Fifty-three-year-old Lawrence Madrid has been working as a supervisor at the Paso del Norte bridge in Downtown El Paso. But on Monday afternoon Madrid found himself in handcuffs and shackles before federal Judge Robert Castaneda, facing a charge of attempted alien smuggling, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Madrid’s criminal complaint is still sealed. But a source with knowledge of the charge told KVIA Assistant News Director Carlos Rosales that Madrid was allegedly selling I-94 permits to undocumented immigrants.
Those are Department of Homeland Security documents issued to visitors who intend to return to their home country. Visitors must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the I-94.
The criminal complaint against Madrid resulted from a Homeland Security investigation with the assistance of DPS and CBP internal affairs.
CBP issued this statement on Madrid’s arrest: “CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and has zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct within our ranks. CBP will fully cooperate with any criminal or administrative investigation of alleged misconduct by any of our personnel, on or off duty. Madrid has been with the agency since 1995 and was assigned to the El Paso port of entry.”
Madrid has hired criminal defense attorney Robert Ramos. Ramos would not comment when ABC-7 approached him in the courtroom. ABC-7 expects to learn more Tuesday, when the criminal complaint is unsealed.
Madrid’s next hearing is scheduled for Friday in front of Judge Anne Berton.
