Border Patrol officers are under investigation for collaborating with tequila after a trip to Mexico

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol Director Gloria Chavez and another Border Patrol agent are under investigation for an attempt to work with a Mexican tequila maker, NBC News reported.

The two leaders were spotted partying in Jalisco, Mexico, with distiller Francisco Javier González of Tequila Casa de los González, his family’s distillery complex, an NBC report said. Photos of the trio began circulating on social media in February.

According to NBC, a relationship between distiller González, Chavez and Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens began when Border Patrol discussed making a Border Patrol-branded tequila for the 100th anniversary. The Border Patrol’s centennial celebration will take place later this month in El Paso, Texas, without the expected tequila.

The collaboration never materialized because questions were raised about whether the officers involved had disclosed their contact with a foreigner, “a requirement for those receiving top security clearances, and whether they had accepted anything that could constitute a violation of ethical rules.” NBC said in its report.

An internal investigation into Border Patrol involvement in this tequila visit is being conducted by the Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility.

ValleyCentral reached out to CBP for comment and received the following statement from a CBP spokesperson:

“CBP has confidence in our leaders and requires them to have the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Consistent with our commitment to accountability, we thoroughly investigate all allegations and take appropriate action to address any issues identified during the investigation. CBP will continue to strengthen our commitment to the agency’s standards at all levels.”

According to an NBC report, the relationship between the three dates back to July 2023, when Gonzalez hosted a party for CBP leaders in Laredo. That’s where the idea for a tequila with the Border Patrol brand supposedly came from.

“González is the grandson of the founder of Don Julio Tequila, a major international brand, and his family remains a leader in the industry,” the report said.

NBC News reported that a CBP spokesman did not say whether Owens and Chavez disclosed their contact with Gonzalez or how they paid for their trip to Mexico.

In a statement, a CBP spokesperson said: “The Border Patrol’s 100th anniversary week raises unique ethical considerations as a number of organizations, including nonprofits, private companies, elected officials and others, mark the occasion at various public and public events Celebrate events.” Private events are planned for the centenary week. CBP leadership, including the Office of Chief Counsel, works closely with event organizers within the agency to ensure that all officially scheduled events meet the highest ethical standards. This included providing ethics advice as well as proactive briefings to senior CBP personnel who may be invited to other privately held events related to the centennial celebration.”

According to the USBP website, the centennial celebration is still scheduled for May 25. Border Patrol-branded tequila will not be on the menu.