LEONARDO LOPEZ
Del Rio,TX
Summary
Accomplished leader specializing in border security and military operations, with significant experience at the Department of Homeland Security and USMC. Demonstrated expertise in critical thinking and effective communication, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and safety. Proven success in strategic planning and counter-terrorism initiatives, contributing to national security. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and skilled at fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. Diligent professional adept at complying with shipment restrictions and enforcing government regulations. Offering many years of inspection and documentation expertise. Highly skilled in law enforcement communication. Hardworking professional experienced in challenging border protection work. Compassionate toward struggling individuals, firm in combatting illegal activity and unwavering in integrity. Fully versed in weapons and equipment common to field. Seasoned Customs and Border Protection Officer with relevant experience in law enforcement, immigration regulations, and security procedures. Strengths include exceptional ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations; proven negotiation skills in high-pressure situations; adept at using technology to enhance operational efficiency. Previous work has resulted in improved border security measures through strategic planning and effective teamwork. Seasoned Customs and Border Protection Officer with proven background in enforcing laws, regulations, and guidelines related to border security. Skilled in conducting thorough inspections of cargo, vehicles, and travelers to prevent illegal activities while facilitating lawful entry and exit. Possess strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and adept at using various technologies for surveillance and record-keeping. Made significant contributions to team efforts in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the integrity of national borders. Vigilant Customs and Border Protection Officer known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and interagency coordination. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring smooth operations and effective enforcement of customs laws.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Department Of Homeland Security
04.2012 - Current
- Processed undocumented aliens at border patrol stations and furnished case resolution details to resolve immediate situations.
- Used variety of law enforcement databases such as TECS and NCIC.
- Secured geographical borders and coastal waters from unauthorized entry to enable better border enforcement.
- Conducted traffic patrols and vehicle checks to identify people attempting to illegally cross United States border.
- Communicated with Spanish-speaking undocumented aliens and smugglers to obtain information and issue verbal commands.
- Worked with trained K-9 partners to locate undocumented people and facilitate transport to border patrol facility.
- Patrolled international land borders and coastal waters.
- Detected and prevented terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering country.
- Rendered necessary medical assistance to undocumented aliens and arranged transport to medical facility in emergency situations.
- Utilized infrared scopes during nighttime surveillance to detect presence of unauthorized people attempting entry into United States.
- Validated immigration documents, asked questions and reported discrepancies to authorities for further review.
- Interacted with carriers, agencies and foreign entities to provide guidance on admissibility and compliance.
- Explained laws and regulations to travelers and distributors and promoted comprehension to foster adherence to requirements.
- Prevented illegal trafficking of people and narcotics.
- Identified and seized contraband, undeclared merchandise and vehicles or boats containing such merchandise.
- Developed, planned and participated in tactical operations.
- Performed intelligence analysis and law enforcement activities such as apprehension, detention and arrest.
- Supported law enforcement agencies by providing accurate and timely data regarding illegal activity and testimony to facts related to cases.
- Summoned law enforcement to detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal actions.
- Collected samples of import merchandise for additional testing, examination and appraisal.
- Examined baggage and personal items upon entering or leaving country to verify adherence to customs requirements and identify suspected violations.
- Reported seized contraband or attempts to illegally transport goods to proper authorities and documented observations and evidence for future actions.
- Identified contraband items and seized according to customs laws.
- Evaluated shipments to determine duty and taxes due, completed applicable paperwork and informed individuals of expected liabilities.
- Detailed persons violating duly established laws and followed orders for further processing.
- Documented activities in reports and testified in court proceedings to actions.
- Completed investigations of applications for refunds of duties or mitigation of assessed penalties.
- Located and procured undeclared items or contraband and processed according to protocol to prevent entry into sovereign soil.
- Initiated civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperated with law enforcement agencies in investigation and prosecution of persons in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Conducted K-9 inspections to detect drugs, explosives and cash.
Executive Officer
USMC RECRUITING
05.2009 - 05.2012
- Handled administrative management, personnel issues and supply requirements for unit.
- Monitored unit training and training schedules.
- Drafted training schedules for over 100 Marines.
- Double checked inventories and made inventory schedules with supply sergeant.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
- Developed and implemented strategic updates to recruiting operations to solve issues affecting efficiency, profitability, and production.
- Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximize profits.
- Double checked travel logistics before movement.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
- Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base and solidify market presence.
- Increased company revenue through aggressive new market strategies.
- Identified trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes and execution.
- Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
- Conducted regular meetings with team to discuss issues, concerns and updates.
- Prepared annual data to determine metrics for operational performance.
- Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
- Interviewed, recruited and trained new onboarding candidates.
- Spearheaded overhaul of company best practices to increase staff retention rates.
- Anticipated and tracked operational and tactical risks to provide strategic solutions.
- Utilized appropriate financial tools to manage accounts payable and receivable.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
- Implemented company policies, technical procedures and standards for preserving integrity and security of data, reports, and access.
- Prepared and drafted new policies to benefit company in meeting objectives.
- Assessed and analyzed departmental budgets to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
- Identified opportunities to expand or shift course to take advantage of changes in market.
- Established clear and competitive goals, growth roadmaps, and strategic business plans.
- Established and implemented departmental policies, goals and objectives.
- Collaborated with back-office team members to facilitate seamless business execution.
- Developed sales strategies to achieve short and long-term sales revenue objectives.
- Conducted business forecasts to identify recent developments.
- In charge of 100 Marines.
- Successfully oversee the High School Community College Program by contracting and shipping quotas; Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship program by contracting and shipping quotas; Musician Enlistment Option Program by contracting and shipping quotas, effectively becoming District Mission Maker in 2012.
OPERATIONS OFFICER, COMPANY A, 9TH COMM BN
USMC Camp Pendleton
02.2009 - 04.2009
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Planned and resourced personnel and logistics for operations component exercises resulting in highly trained personnel ready to act quickly in critical roles.
- Verified compliance with best business practices throughout organization.
- Coordinated visits and provided briefs to very important personnel (VIPs) improving knowledge and awareness of operational activities, programs and offerings.
- Reviewed and revised standard operating procedures to incorporate employee and management feedback and streamline training processes.
- Implemented processes that simplified procedures and reduced average processing time.
- Maintained constructive client and vendor relationships.
- Maintained equipment at operational readiness annually.
- Interfaced with department heads to establish tracking mechanisms and processes that created clear and effective information flow internally and with customers.
- Coordinated and led meetings to inform management and stakeholders of operational challenges and suggested improvements.
- Optimized business processes to foster operational efficiency.
- Updated and published standard operating procedures (SOPs) using stakeholder, customer and employee input and feedback resulting in clearer and more useful instruction for users.
- Collaborated with executives and management to review projected revenue and adjust resources accordingly.
- Contributed to business development efforts to drive revenue and meet corporate objectives.
- Motivated and trained employees to maximize team productivity.
- Enforced regulatory and company policy compliance to improve workplace and employee safety and readiness.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Encouraged and promoted ideas aligned to business needs and benefits.
- Evaluated team member performance and productivity, provided feedback and implemented corrective actions.
- Outsourced unnecessary services to save on labor, supplies and equipment costs and adhere to company budgets.
- Compiled training materials for new employees and tracked skill development.
- Tracked company equipment, tools and technology to manage inventory.
- Analyzed department metrics and performance and reported findings to management.
- Led 200 Marines.
COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY A, 9TH COMM BN
USMC Camp Pendleton
11.2008 - 01.2009
- Championed continuous improvement strategically aligned to network goals and strategic plan.
- Participated in strategic planning and public relations.
- Fostered change through sharing thoughts, feelings and rationale so that others understood personal and organizational positions.
- Enhanced professional growth and development through meetings and educational programs.
- Demonstrated support of policies and procedures established by organization.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
MILITARY ADVISOR
USMC
10.2007 - 10.2008
- Built and maintained relationships with 7th Iraqi Army Division & 29th Iraqi Army Brigade to provide ongoing support and counter-insurgency operations.
- Trained new and existing Iraqis on marksmanship best practices to improve overall weapon handling skills.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration between departments to help business function smoothly.
- Improved processes by recommending operational changes.
- Planned, developed, and implemented strategies to convey information with key decision makers, such as: Multi National Force-West, Iraqi Ministry of Defense, and Multi National Security Transition-Iraq.
- Coordinated work or project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong project, and team leadership to enhance success, for Operations Fairplay, Mad Max, Defeat Al Quaeda South and Defeat Al Quaeda North.
- Anticipated responses and prepared clear and articulate answers for higher headquarters and adjacent units.
- Advised on organizational structure and human resource management to promote efficient combat and counter-insurgency operations.
- Conducted workplace compliance training to reduce liability risks and operate effectively.
- Provided guidance on leadership strategies to help Iraqi Officers recruit new soldiers and increase volume.
- Provided support in negotiations and legal matters to help client negotiate complex business negotiations and legal issues.
- Helped Iraqi soldiers and officers develop organizational, time management and combat skills.
- Empowered Iraqi soldiers and officers through counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Monitored Iraqi Division/Brigade progress to drive successful academic outcomes and self sustainment.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations (moojaz and religious differences).
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different Iraqi soldiers.
- Taught classes and presented self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Installed the first, Radio-internet-protocol network (RIPR net) on Al-Assad airbase, Iraq.
- Installed the first, Video Teleconference (VTC) network for Iraqi counterparts, Al-Habaniyah, Iraq, Old British Hotel.
- Train, mentor, assist, advise Iraqi counterparts on vertical and horizontal integration: infantry tactics, firearms training, tactical communication networks, single channel radio systems (encrypted), crew-served weapons, Soviet bloc weapon systems, convoy operations, MEDEVAC/CASEVAC operations, helo-born operations, call for fire operations, etc.
- Serve as a force multiplier by utilizing the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning (CAOCL) operational culture and Arabic language familiarization tools.
- Led over 100 mounted combat patrols at the Brigade and Division level (5000 to 15000 Iraqi Soldiers and 32 to 9 Marines), as vehicle commander, 50 cal/M-240 G gunner and HMMWV driver.
- Participated in over 100 counter insurgency combat operations throughout all of Al-Anbar Province, western Iraq, utilizing small-unit tactics, consisiting of as little as 9 Marines and 50 Iraqi soldiers.
Education
Basic CBPO Course -
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Glynco, GA10.2012
Military Occupational Specialty Recruiting Officer -
Recruiter Management Course
Lansdowne, VA07.2009
Military Advisor Certification -
Advisor Training Group
Camp Pendleton, CA09.2007
Military Occupational Specialty -
Basic Communication Officers Course
Quantico, VA12.2006
No Degree -
The Basic School, USMC
Quantico, Va10.2005
No Degree -
Officer Candidate School, USMC
Quantico, VA12.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Sul Ross State University
Del Rio, Texas05.2001
High School Diploma -
Del Rio High School
Del Rio, TX06.1997
Skills
- K9 Operations
- Baggage Inspections
- Arresting Individuals
- Microsoft Visio
- Customs Documentation
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Enforcing Laws
- Title Laws
- Crime Prevention
- Microsoft Access
- Organizational Systems
- Traffic Checkpoints
- Report Writing
- Prevention Programs
- Reading Comprehension
- Outreach Initiatives
- Effective Working Relationships
- Hand-to-Hand Combat
- Human Trafficking Interdiction
- Product Seizure
- Time Management
- Baggage and Cargo Protocols
- Court Processes
- International Border Rules Expertise
- Customs Inspection
- Emergency Situations
- Interpersonal Skills
- Emergency Alarm Monitoring
- Undocumented Alien Apprehension
- Criminal and Civil Investigations
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Visa Approval
- Defensive Techniques
- Home Building
- Local and State Laws
- Daily Logs
- Customs and Immigration
- Medical Emergency Response
- Systems Analysis
- Intelligence Analysis
- Fire Protection
- Drug Interdiction
- Development Activities
- Effective Communication
- Crime Scene Processing
- Tax and Duty Fee Requirements
- Patrolling
- Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS)
- Duty Assessment
- Investigative Procedures
- Undercover Operations
- Active Listening
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Immigration Application Review
- Public Safety
- Traffic Observations
- Critical Thinking
- Drug Design
- Investigative Writing
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Learning Strategies
- Counter-Terrorism
- Purchase Orders
- Asset Protection
- Social Perceptiveness
- Personal Interviews
- Vehicle Inspection
- National Security
- Weapons Handling
- Community Events
- Government Policy Regulations
- Documenting Intelligence
- International Trade
- Safe Handling
- Database Software
- Professional Development
- Surveillance
- Basic First Aid
- Illegal Immigrant Prevention
- Anti-Smuggling Activities
- Infrared Night Vision Equipment
- Cargo Policies
- Contraband Detection
- Jury Testifying
- Special Operations
- Commercial Property
- Court Appearances
- Arrest Techniques
- Metal Detectors
- Investigation Techniques
Accomplishments
- Achieved situational awareness by introducing military tactics for law enforcement tasks.
- Collaborated with team of Homeland Security Investigations in the arrest of Drug Trafficking Organization high-value targets.
- Achieved annual firearms training by completing with accuracy and efficiency.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Supervised team of 500 Iraqi staff soldiers/officers.
- Documented and resolved over 200 narcotics seizures which led to the arrest of those individuals.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved a faster border wait time through effectively helping with traffic mitigation.
Certification
- Certified Z-Portal, X-ray Operator, AES/DHS/CBP -2015 & 2023 (Gen 1 & Gen 4)
- Glock 19, Gen 5, 9MM pistol - 2021-Present
- HK USP .40 Pistol-2012-Present
- M4 Rifle-2005-Present
- Aimpoint, ACOG
- Vehicle EVO/SKID-2012
- CPR-2012 to present
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)-2007-Present
- VACIS XML, X-ray mobile, Leidos; DHS/CBP, 2015
- RAPIDSCAN human xray monitor-2023
- Gemini narcotic detection system-2016
- All NATO crew served weapon systems
- Most Soviet bloc weapon systems
- Enhanced Marksmanship Course-USMC
- Basic Iraqi Arabic language course
- Spanish Foreign Language Program (FLAP), score of 3+
- USMC/USA Military Advisor Course-Taji, Iraq
- Recruiting Officer Management Course-Lansdowne, VA
Additional Information
I have intercepted, seized and arrested over 200 separate illegal narcotic incidents. I am considered a resident duty-expert in illegal narcotic interception and compartmented training, in only 11.5 years.
I have delivered (3) babies as a Customs and Border Protection Officer, on duty, at the Columbus Port of Entry, with only latex gloves. Hospitial services were 32 miles away in Deming, NM.
I saved Recruiting Station Albuquerque, USMC, and made it the power-house recruiting station for years 2011 & 2012, respectively, by implementing an all-hands recruiting initiative and establishing critical vulnerabilities and capitalizing on those.
I was responsible for the successful communication infrastructure for the 7th Iraqi Army Division (data and single channel radio).
I was responsible for the successful combat posture of the 29th Iraqi Army Brigade and its self sustainment capabilities in only 6 months.
Languages
5,1,4
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Department Of Homeland Security
04.2012 - Current
Executive Officer
USMC RECRUITING
05.2009 - 05.2012
OPERATIONS OFFICER, COMPANY A, 9TH COMM BN
USMC Camp Pendleton
02.2009 - 04.2009
COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY A, 9TH COMM BN
USMC Camp Pendleton
11.2008 - 01.2009
MILITARY ADVISOR
USMC
10.2007 - 10.2008
Basic CBPO Course -
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Military Occupational Specialty Recruiting Officer -
Recruiter Management Course
Military Advisor Certification -
Advisor Training Group
Military Occupational Specialty -
Basic Communication Officers Course
No Degree -
The Basic School, USMC
No Degree -
Officer Candidate School, USMC
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Sul Ross State University
High School Diploma -
Del Rio High School