(PatriotPostNews.com) – The Office of Professional Responsibility of US Customs and Border Protection said on May 17 that it started an investigation into some Border Patrol officials for their relationship with Mexican American tequila businessman Eduardo Garza. The agency said that the officials they are investigating are the sector head of the Rio Grande Valley Gloria Chavez and Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.
Garza has been described as one of the most important businessmen in the alcohol industry and is also the owner of Uni-Trade, which is a company that advises foreign enterprises on foreign trade and global transportation. Journalists explained that the reason why the officials are under investigation is because of a possible case of conflict of interest, as the two of them are friends of Garza and have attended some of his parties over the last few months. Other officials who were not named and are also under investigation attended the parties as well, all of them taking place in a ranch Garza owns in Laredo, Texas.
Some reporters said on social media that the Inspector General’s office of the US Department of Homeland Security is also cooperating in the investigation against the officials. The agency allegedly wants to know every single activity of Garza and Chavez at each of the parties held by the Mexican American mogul.
Customs and Border Protection’s ethics policies make it clear that agents or agency officials can’t take gifts from a person who conducts any type of activity regulated by the CBP or has an interest that might be affected by an employee’s duties. Political analysts have said that Garza could be considered a disallowed provider of gifts by the agency. The CBP’s ethics code explains that gifts include meals, lodging, local travel, transportation, hospitality, or even entertainment.
Garza is one of the most prominent public figures in Laredo and has held numerous parties where he has received the key to the city and hosted some international leaders like Mexican ministers and governors.
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