It was a heartwarming scene: A U.S. citizen, forbidden to enter Mexico, married his bride in a brief moment when the gate between the countries was opened.
Now, a newspaper says the groom is a convicted drug smuggler and border agents are furious that he passed a federal background check and was approved for last month's "Door of Hope'' event at the San Diego border crossing.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Brian Houston of San Diego was caught at a border checkpoint in February with more than 130 pounds of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in his car.
He pleaded guilty to drug smuggling and awaits sentencing.
The Border Patrol says Houston passed internal vetting.
A union rep for Border Patrol agents says they feel they were duped.