A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been sentenced for his involvement in alien smuggling and drug trafficking schemes. Emanuel Isac Celedon, age 37, from Laredo, was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for allowing illegal aliens and cocaine to cross the U.S. border. Celedon, who had pled guilty in March 2024, was also ordered to pay a $17,980 money judgment.
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana referred to Celedon's failure in his role, stating that he had not protected the United States from controlled substances and unauthorized individuals. She remarked on his deep involvement in the illegal organization, indicating an inclination to further such involvement.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of Celedon's position. "This case was especially troubling given the position of trust the defendant held. His criminal conduct stands in stark contrast to the heroic work the men and women of CBP are doing every day to keep our border and ports secure," Ganjei stated.
While serving as a CBP officer, Celedon sought contacts with the Cartel del Noreste to smuggle drugs and aliens through his inspection lane in exchange for money. He was involved in operations wherein he expressed an interest in smuggling cocaine, facilitated the passage of vehicles, and collaborated with others to bring illegal aliens into the United States without inspection.
The investigation, which led to Celedon's arrest, was conducted by a coalition of agencies from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and the CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility, among others. The case is part of initiatives by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), targeting high-level criminal organizations that threaten U.S. security.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Arthur R. Jones prosecuted the cases. Celedon will remain in custody until his transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility is finalized.