DEA Supervisor Arrested in Visa Program Investigation
A supervisor in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s office in the Dominican Republic has been arrested as part of an investigation involving potential abuse of the U.S. visa program related to confidential informants, according to U.S. officials who spoke to the Associated Press on Thursday.
This development occurred as the Trump administration unexpectedly decided to close the DEA office in the Caribbean nation, labeling the situation as “disgusting and shameful violations of public trust.”
Meriton Cordero was arrested during an operation led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as detailed by two anonymous officials. They requested anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing.
There hasn’t been much information released regarding the specifics of the arrest. Attempts to reach Cordero’s phone for comments went unanswered.
Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor the DEA has responded to inquiries for comments. Earlier, U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos announced that the DEA office would remain closed indefinitely, without elaborating on the reasoning.
In a message on X, she stated, “Using a public position for personal gain is an abhorrent and shameful violation of the public trust. I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption in any of the embassies I lead.”
Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez clarified that the closure was unrelated to the Dominican government and was part of an internal U.S. investigation.
Every year, agencies like the DEA and FBI sponsor the entry of numerous foreign nationals into the U.S., sometimes despite their connections to criminal activities. Many of these individuals, who are expected to assist with investigations, can later qualify for permanent resident status.
A report from the Justice Department’s watchdog in 2019 noted significant issues in the visa program, revealing that law enforcement failed to keep track of around 1,000 sponsored individuals who might endanger public safety and national security due to their criminal ties.
It’s also worth noting that the Dominican Republic serves as a key transit point for drugs from South America, and its authorities have collaborated closely with U.S. law enforcement for many years.
In late November, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic declared that the U.S. government would be permitted to operate in restricted areas of San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport to assist in combatting drug trafficking.
