A senior Drug Enforcement Administration official stationed in the Dominican Republic has been arrested in Washington, D.
C., in a widening federal probe into alleged bribery and abuse of a U.S. visa program designed to protect confidential informants.
According to One America News, the Supervisory Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, was arrested in Washington D.C. and charged in a complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in connection with his role in a bribery and U.S. visa fraud scheme, said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
The case centers on the suspected exploitation of a sensitive immigration mechanism that allows otherwise inadmissible foreign nationals to enter the United States in exchange for cooperation with law enforcement.
The agent, identified as 47-year-old Melitn Cordero, was taken into custody following an investigation led by the Department of Homeland Security. His arrest triggered an immediate response from the Trump administration, which ordered the shutdown of the DEAs anti-narcotics office in the Dominican Republic, condemning what officials called a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust.
Pirro emphasized that the alleged misconduct strikes at the heart of public confidence in federal institutions and in the integrity of U.S. operations overseas. This individual was entrusted by the American people to faithfully execute his duties and represent the American Government abroad as a leader within the DEA, Pirro said, adding, Instead, he is alleged to have broken the law, squandered this special trust and undercut the Presidents immigration priorities. This behavior by any government official is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos publicly confirmed the indefinite closure of the DEA office, initially without detailing the underlying cause. It is a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust to use ones official capacity for personal gain, she wrote on X, stressing, I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption anywhere in the Embassy I lead.
Dominican Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto lvarez moved quickly to clarify that the shutdown was not prompted by any action of the Dominican government. He explained that the decision arose from an internal U.S. inquiry, underscoring that the matter is being handled entirely within American jurisdiction.
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and FBI, routinely arrange U.S. entry for hundreds of foreign nationals each year who might otherwise be barred due to criminal associations. These individuals are expected to assist investigations and, over time, can become eligible for permanent residency, making any abuse of this system particularly serious in light of President Trumps emphasis on strict immigration controls.
The Dominican Republic remains a key transit hub for narcotics moving from South America, and its security forces have historically worked in close coordination with U.S. counterparts.
In late November, Dominican President Luis Abinader authorized expanded U.S. government operations at restricted zones within San Isidro Air Base and Las Amricas International Airport to strengthen joint efforts against drug trafficking, a partnership now overshadowed by the scandal but likely to remain vital as Washington seeks to restore integrity and accountability within its own ranks.
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