Border Patrol Agent Found Guilty of Assaulting Chinese Sex Workers

Veteran U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Luis Uribe, on trial for multiple crimes, tried to convince a federal jury of his innocence this week. He stated he was raised to respect women, asserting, “no means no” and “stop means stop.” However, the jury found him guilty of using his position to assault and rob four Chinese sex workers in Chicago-area hotels in 2022.

After around 6.5 hours of deliberation, the jury, composed of six men and six women, convicted Uribe of 11 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. They also found him guilty of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Uribe, 45, showed no response to the verdict as it was read in U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso’s courtroom. Supporters in the gallery, including a relative who began crying, heard Uribe say, “Take care of my kids,” and shout, “I love you, babe!” as officers led him away. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, and Uribe could face 7 years to life in prison.

Conviction and Trial Details

Uribe, a customs agent assigned to O’Hare International Airport, was arrested in December 2025. The charges stemmed from accusations that he attacked four women over nine months in 2022, utilizing his police authority to commit theft and sexual assault. Prosecutors alleged that Uribe exploited his duty to serve and protect to perpetrate crimes. In contrast, his defense argued that the victims lied about seeking Uribe’s help with immigration issues before allegedly framing him.

Evidence from the trial included Uribe’s government-issued Glock handgun and his badge, which resembled those reportedly used in the assaults. DNA evidence from one October 2022 attack linked Uribe to a hotel bedsheet. A selfie retrieved from Uribe’s phone, showing him with his gun, was also presented. The victims, testifying through interpreters, identified Uribe as their assailant, believing him to be a “fake cop.” A photograph of Uribe at a seafood buffet, shared within the sex trafficking community as a warning, was another crucial exhibit.

One witness, called “Lisa,” a mid-level figure in the trafficking organization, recounted arranging a meeting with Uribe, where he received an offer of free weekly sex in exchange for not attacking the women. She testified that Uribe accepted the offer, following them to a hotel immediately afterward.

Uribe’s Defense and Prosecution’s Response

Uribe testified that he was offered $7,000 plus free sex to assist the trafficking ring with immigration issues. He denied any non-consensual encounters and claimed threats of being framed when he refused to assist. An unexpected moment during cross-examination revealed Uribe’s dismissive attitude toward a particular incident with a victim named Tina.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih questioned Uribe about leaving work early under the guise of going to the gym but visiting a hotel to meet Tina instead. “You never went to the gym, did you?” asked Shih. Uribe responded with a grin, “I got a good workout in.” Shih sharply retorted about Uribe referring to rape as a workout, to which Uribe persisted that the encounter was consensual.

Uribe’s attorney, Michael Clancy, attempted damage control, labeling Uribe’s response a “horrible answer” born out of courtroom frustration. Clancy urged the jury to disregard the comment. Meanwhile, Shih highlighted the victims’ emotional and straightforward testimonies, contrasting them with Uribe’s “joking” demeanor. Shih urged the jury to recognize Uribe as “a rapist with a gun,” accusing him of abusing his position to commit assaults.