The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday, February 11, that a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervisor has been charged with harboring illegal immigrants.
US prosecutor Nicholas J. Ganjei stated that Andres Wilkinson appeared in court for the first time and will remain in detention, awaiting a detention hearing before Judge Brian C. Bajew on Thursday, February 12.
Wilkinson, aged 52, has been employed at CBP since 2001 and was promoted to a supervisor in 2021, overseeing CBP personnel in law enforcement.
The criminal complaint reveals that an illegal immigrant was living unauthorized in Wilkinson’s residence, and despite knowing the person’s illegal status, Wilkinson maintained a romantic relationship with them, allowing them to reside with Wilkinson’s minor children.
The illegal immigrant entered the US with a non-immigrant visa in August 2023, overstayed, and has been living with Wilkinson since August 2024.
Between June and November 2025, law enforcement conducted surveillance on Wilkinson’s residence and observed the illegal immigrant using a vehicle registered under Wilkinson’s name. In February 2026, investigators questioned the illegal immigrant.
Wilkinson is accused of providing financial support to the woman, including housing, credit cards, debt assistance, and allowing the use of a vehicle registered under his name, as well as knowingly transporting the illegal immigrant through border patrol checkpoints. He is also charged with traveling to San Antonio with the illegal immigrant and her children.
If convicted, Wilkinson could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The announcement states that this case is part of the nationwide law enforcement operation “Operation Take Back America,” aimed at mobilizing all DOJ resources to prevent illegal immigration, eliminate drug trafficking groups and transnational criminal organizations, strengthen national security and community safety, and protect American communities from violent criminals.