In a developing investigation, top Border Patrol officials are facing scrutiny for their connections to a Mexican tequila mogul and a wealthy businessman involved in cross-border trade. According to sources familiar with the matter, these officials attended parties hosted by the businessman, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Mexican American businessman Eduardo Garza, owner of Uni-Trade, a company that advises international companies on global transportation and customs, hosted Border Patrol officials at his ranch in Laredo, Texas, for three events. Additionally, a smaller group of officials were hosted by Garza in Mexico for two other events.

Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility is now investigating whether Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens and Rio Grande Valley sector head Gloria Chavez properly disclosed their contacts with Garza and any benefits they received from him. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General is also looking into the activities of Chavez and Garza.

CBP's ethics policies prohibit accepting gifts from individuals who have interests that may be substantially affected by the officials' official duties or who conduct activities regulated by the agency. Uni-Trade, as a customs broker, falls into this category, potentially making Garza a "prohibited source" of gifts.

Garza introduced Owens and Chavez to tequila maker Francisco Javier González, who had expressed a desire to create a Border Patrol-branded tequila to commemorate the agency's 100th anniversary. Owens and Chavez were already under investigation by CBP for their contacts with González.

Photographs obtained by NBC News reveal that Garza hosted Border Patrol officials at several events, including a change in leadership ceremony, a summit for Border Patrol leaders, and a dinner for chiefs from across the country. In some instances, Garza provided entertainment and meals, including a dinner listed as the "Uni-Trade dinner" on the agenda.

Furthermore, there are allegations that Chavez traveled with Garza to Mexico and questions about who paid for her travel and transportation. In February, Owens, Chavez, and Garza traveled to Jalisco, Mexico, where they celebrated Owens' birthday at the distillery of tequila maker González.

Garza maintains that he never paid for any travel or transportation for Chavez or Owens and that the events he hosted were primarily for family, friends, or sporting occasions. However, CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating whether the officials fully disclosed their contacts with Garza and what Garza or González provided during the trip to Jalisco.

As a result of these inquiries, plans for a Border Patrol tequila brand have been shelved, and it has been announced that certain Border Patrol centennial celebrations, including a gala, have been canceled.

Border Patrol leadership has been instructed to complete mandatory ethics training before attending any centennial celebrations and to avoid activities, such as certain golf tournaments, that are sponsored by companies with potential contracts with CBP.

The investigation into the ties between Border Patrol officials and the tequila mogul and businessman continues, while rank-and-file Border Patrol agents express dismay over the revelations surrounding Owens and Chavez's travel to the tequila distillery. The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen as authorities ascertain the extent of potential conflicts of interest and violations of ethics policies.