CBP Supervisor Charged With Harboring Illegal Immigrant

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a pivotal federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established after the merger of U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service's border inspection functions in 2003, CBP is the nation's largest and first line of defense at its borders[1][3]. **Key Responsibilities:** - **Border Security:** CBP prevents illegal entry of people and goods, including narcotics, contraband, and unreported currency across the U.S. borders[2][5]. - **Trade Regulation:** It regulates and facilitates international trade, collects import duties, and enforces customs, trade, and immigration laws[1][3]. - **Inspections:** CBP conducts inspections at 328 ports of entry, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws through advanced targeting systems[1][2]. **History and Achievements:** While CBP itself is relatively new, its predecessor organizations have a long history dating back to the 19th century. A significant achievement is the integration of various border functions into a single cohesive entity, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in border management. **Current Status:** CBP continues to evolve with advancements in technology, enhancing its capabilities in surveillance, data analysis, and cargo inspection. It also collaborates with other agencies to improve border security and trade facilitation[2][3]. **Notable Aspects:** - **Unified Border Presence:** CBP provides a unified face at the border by combining customs, immigration, and agricultural inspections[2]. - **Technological Advancements:** The agency uses advanced systems like the Automated Targeting System to identify potential threats and streamline border operations[3]. - **Collaborative Efforts:** CBP works closely with other federal agencies to enforce laws and protect national security[2][3].

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is the principal federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws, ensuring public safety, and protecting civil rights. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the DOJ operates under the leadership of the Attorney General, who serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet. As of 2025, Pam Bondi holds this position, having taken office in February and quickly shaping the department’s priorities. Established in 1870 during President Ulysses S. Grant’s administration, the DOJ’s roots trace back to the creation of the Attorney General’s office in 1789. Over the years, it has grown into a vast organization with more than 115,000 employees and over 40 component agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Marshals Service. The DOJ also houses specialized divisions for criminal, civil, antitrust, tax, civil rights, and national security matters, and oversees 94 U.S. Attorney offices nationwide. The DOJ’s mission centers on upholding the rule of law, safeguarding national security, and defending civil liberties. In 2025, the department has shifted its enforcement focus, prioritizing areas such as healthcare fraud, customs and tariff evasion, and corporate misconduct, especially involving foreign adversaries and financial gatekeepers. Recent policy changes have emphasized efficiency in investigations and reduced reliance on corporate compliance monitors, reflecting a broader effort to minimize regulatory burdens on businesses. Notably, the DOJ has also been tasked with reviewing past government conduct to address concerns about the “weaponization” of federal agencies, ensuring accountability and restoring public trust. For business and technology leaders, the DOJ’s evolving priorities—particularly in areas like cybersecurity, antitrust, and international trade—have significant implications for compliance, risk management, and corporate governance.

# Office of Professional Responsibility: Ensuring Integrity Across Government The **Office of Professional Responsibility** (OPR) operates as a critical oversight mechanism within the U.S. federal government, though it exists in two distinct forms serving different agencies. ## DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility The Department of Justice's OPR was **established in 1975** by Attorney General Edward Levi in response to ethical abuses uncovered during the Watergate scandal[3]. Its primary mission is to ensure that DOJ attorneys perform their duties in accordance with the highest professional standards[1]. The office investigates allegations of misconduct against Department attorneys and law enforcement personnel, conducting preliminary inquiries and full investigations when warranted[1]. OPR reports its findings to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit and refers matters to appropriate component heads for corrective action[1]. The office also handles whistleblower retaliation allegations, protecting FBI employees who report misconduct[1]. Notably, OPR operates as an independent office staffed by career Justice Department attorneys, reporting directly to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General[4]. ## IRS's Office of Professional Responsibility The IRS maintains its own OPR, which interprets and applies professional standards for tax practitioners[2]. Once considered a "backwater office," the IRS OPR has been significantly reinvigorated in recent years[5]. It investigates violations of Circular 230 (Regulations Governing Practice before the IRS) and has expanded jurisdiction to include practitioners providing written advice and those making personal appearances before the IRS[5]. The office receives referrals primarily from IRS personnel who uncover suspected misconduct during audits[5]. Both offices exemplify how federal agencies maintain professional accountability and integrity within their respective domains, addressing ethical concerns proactively while ensuring fair treatment of those investigated.

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), an agency of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is one of the largest federal law enforcement organizations in the United States, with nearly 20,000 agents as of 2023[1]. Its core mission is to secure the nation’s borders, prevent illegal entry, and safeguard American communities from threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and human smuggling[2]. The agency’s operations extend beyond traditional border monitoring, encompassing linewatch (surveillance and apprehension at the border), farm and ranch checks, traffic checkpoints on highways, city patrols, and transportation checks at airports, bus stations, and train terminals[1]. This multi-layered approach leverages both human intelligence and advanced technology to detect and interdict illegal crossers and contraband. Founded in 1924 as part of the Labor Appropriation Act, the Border Patrol has evolved dramatically over a century[1]. Initially focused on immigration enforcement, its responsibilities expanded after the September 11 attacks, leading to its integration into the Department of Homeland Security in 2003[1][3]. This reorganization merged several border and customs agencies, creating a unified force with broader authority and resources[3]. The Border Patrol’s motto, “Honor First,” reflects its commitment to duty and service, even in the face of significant risks—agents are among the most assaulted law enforcement personnel in the country, with documented attacks and bounties placed on them by criminal organizations[2]. Key achievements include the development of specialized units like BORTAC (tactical operations) and BORSTAR (search and rescue), which enhance the agency’s rapid response capabilities[3]. The Border Patrol has also played a critical role in responding to natural disasters, civil unrest, and mass casualty events, demonstrating its adaptability and value beyond border security[1]. In recent years, the agency has encountered over 2.5 million migrants annually, reflecting both the