CBP Officer Charged for Harboring Unauthorized Girlfriend and Niece
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer is in legal trouble after being charged with harboring an unauthorized immigrant. The officer, identified as Andres Wilkinson, maintained a relationship with a woman who overstayed her visa and is currently in the U.S. illegally.
Details of the Charges Against CBP Officer
Wilkinson, 52, resides in Laredo, Texas, where he allegedly provided financial support, housing, and resources to the woman, who is reportedly his girlfriend and niece. The woman entered the U.S. on a temporary visa in August 2023 but has since overstayed her allowed time. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that both traveled together through Border Patrol checkpoints.
Investigation Findings
The criminal complaint indicates that Wilkinson was aware of the woman’s illegal immigration status. Furthermore, it suggests she is married to another man, with whom she was attempting to secure a green card. This application was filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in January 2024 but was canceled in April 2025.
- Wilkinson’s relationship with the woman was under scrutiny by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
- Investigators found connections between the woman and Wilkinson’s family, specifically her being the daughter of J. Santos Garcia-Moreno, whom Wilkinson had claimed as his brother.
- In February 2026, CBP OPR detained the woman, who admitted to living with Wilkinson since August 2024.
Potential Consequences for Officer Wilkinson
If convicted, Wilkinson could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000. He recently appeared in court and remains in custody, awaiting a scheduled detention hearing.
Wilkinson has served in the CBP for nearly 25 years and was promoted to supervisory status in 2021. His responsibilities included enforcing immigration laws, making these allegations particularly concerning.
As the investigation continues, both CBP and Wilkinson’s legal representatives have yet to comment further on the ongoing situation.
