Former ICE deportation officer in federal custody, accused of accepting illegal kickback money

HOUSTON - A former ICE deportation officer is one of four people now in federal custody on allegations he accepted illegal kickback money to lift immigration detainers on individuals booked into the Harris County Jail. 

Former ICE deportation officer in federal custody, accused of accepting illegal kickback money to lift immigration detainers

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas, Houston residents Leopoldo Perrault Benitez, 53, Anthony Benitez, 32, Isaac Sierra, 51, and Jose Angel Muniz, 51, La Porte, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray, at which time the indictment was unsealed. They were ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings. 

The release stated that a federal grand jury returned the indictment on June 24. 

The indictment alleges Leopoldo Benitez was the owner of A Way Out Bail Bonds in Houston. His son - Anthony Benitez - was an employee, while Sierra worked at International Bonding Company, according to the charges. Muniz was allegedly a deportation officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the charges allege the three bail bondsmen paid Muniz to lift immigration detainers on illegal aliens in ICE custody awaiting removal.

What they're saying:

"The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of corruption by federal officers extremely seriously, particularly those entrusted with keeping our border secure and nation safe," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. "There is no room whatsoever for bribery or side deals when it comes to immigration enforcement."

What's next:

If convicted, all four face up to 15 years in prison and a fine equal to the equivalent value of the bribes offered and received or $250,000, whichever is greater.   

ICE - Office of Professional Responsibility and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General.