Agent Memorials

DOB: April 5, 1902
Entered: July 28, 1924
End of Watch: September 14, 1924
Position:Patrol Inspector

At about 4:30 p.m., September 14, 1924, Patrol Inspector James F. Mankin was killed by the accidental discharge of a service rifle. The accident occurred about 18 miles northeast of Laredo near the Rio Grande River where Patrol Inspector Mankin, along with Patrol Inspectors Buck West and Ralph R. Dockum, were patrolling in a government vehicle. The officers, upon reaching the banks of the river, alighted from the car to determine whether or not any crossings had been made. Upon returning to the car, Patrol Inspector Mankin, who had been driving, entered the vehicle and seated himself behind the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Dockum prepared to enter the back seat of the car from the left side and Patrol Inspector West was to enter the back seat from the right side of the automobile. There were two rifles in scabbards in the back of the car along with camping gear and other articles. The two officers were rearranging the items in the back of the car in order to make more room for themselves when a .30 caliber government rifle slipped out of the car, the hammer striking the running board and discharging the gun. The bullet struck the back of the front seat about six inches below the top. The bullet split, one part ricocheting to the left, striking the bow over the back seat and passing within a few inches of Dockum’s face. The other part of the bullet ricocheted to the right through the upholstering of the front seat, striking Inspector Mankin behind the right ear. Inspector Mankin died less than thirty minutes after the accident.

DOB: January 4, 1879
Entered: August 5, 1924
End of Watch: December 13, 1924
Position: Patrol Inspector

While patrolling in company with another officer near Cordova Island, El Paso, Texas, on the evening of December 13, 1924, Patrol Inspector Clark was shot and killed by smuggler’s spotters who were concealed at a strategic point on the American side of the international boundary line for the purpose of warning and protecting the smugglers should the presence of officers be detected.

When the smugglers were challenged by the Patrol Inspectors, the spotters opened fire from ambush, and one of the shots hit Patrol Inspector Clark causing immediate death. Other officers quickly took positions in concealment surrounding the scene of the action and remained there through the night.

They found sacks, which contained illegal liquor, and took into custody a Mexican family that was found on the scene searching the premises in the early morning. One of these Mexicans, Eulalio Aguilar, was subsequently indicted on charge of murder, convicted and given a 1O-year sentence.

DOB:October 9, 1882
Entered:August 9, 1923
End of Watch:August 2, 1925
Position:Patrol Inspector

On August 2, 1925, Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Pena was shot and killed by an insane Mexican at Rio Grande City, Texas. While eating supper in a restaurant, the officer, accompanied by Patrol Inspector Fred Neale, noticed a Mexican enter the restaurant and get into an argument with the proprietor. It was later learned the Mexican’s name was Macario Pena. The Mexican acted very peculiarly, and the officers noticed that he was armed with a revolver. After he left the restaurant, Patrol Inspector De La Pena decided to follow him and question him in regards to his immigration status.

Accordingly, the officer followed the Mexican. Inspector De La Pena followed him into the drug store and started to question him when the Mexican drew his revolver. The officer ordered him to drop the gun, but instead the Mexican fired, the bullet striking De La Pena in the abdomen. The officer then attempted to take the revolver away from the Mexican and, after a struggle in which others could not assist the officer because of the location of the two behind a counter in the store, De La Pena became weakened by loss of blood and in order to protect others, drew his own revolver and shot the Mexican, killing him.

Inspector De La Pena died on the operating table a few hours later.

DOB:July 9, 1900
Entered:January 2, 1925
End of Watch:October 28, 1925
Position:Patrol Inspector

On October 27, 1925, Patrol Inspector Ross A. Gardner was returning from his official station, San Diego, California, to Elsinore, California, where he was temporarily assigned. He was operating a government-owned motorcycle which he had taken to San Diego to be repaired.

 At Sedoc, California, about three miles east of Elsinore, Inspector Gardner ran into the rear of an automobile that was stalled on the roadway. The stalled vehicle had no lights at the time and, reportedly, headlights on a truck heading in the opposite direction hampered the officer’s vision.

Patrol Inspector Gardner sustained a fractured skull, fracture of the pelvis, and internal injuries. He was conveyed to Elsinore by a passing motorist but was later transferred to the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. Death occurred at 4:20 a.m. on October 28, 1925.

DOB:April 26, 1892
Entered:September 26, 1924
End of Watch:July 25, 1926
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Lon Parker was killed in a battle with alien liquor smugglers 2 1/2 miles south of Wills Ranch, west of the Huachuca Mountains, in Arizona, on July 25, 1926. Late that afternoon he left camp alone to take up the trail of mounted liquor smugglers. Tracks of a man and a horse had been discovered with evidence that the man had ridden the horse where the terrain was smooth and walked over rough places, indicating that the horse was loaded with liquor or other contraband.

Nothing was heard from Inspector Parker until the Wills family returned to their ranch at about 6 p.m. the same day, and found him on their woodpile dying from a gunshot wound. He had been shot with a rifle bullet in the back. He died within a few minutes without regaining conscious-ness. During the investigation, the body of a Mexican was found about 2 1/2 miles from the Wills’ home. The Mexican was identified as Artilio Espinosa, a well-known smuggler. Espinosa’s horse, with 20 gallons of mescal in cans strapped on his back, was found dead of a bullet wound.

From the tracks in the area and the position of Espinosa and his horse, the investigating officers theorized that Espinosa was accompanied by another smuggler, that Officer Parker rode up to Espinosa, covered him with a pistol and was shot by Espinosa’s companion, who was purposely riding at some distance for the purpose of protecting Espinosa and the liquor, and that Inspector Parker, although mortally wounded, retained sufficient command of himself to kill Espinosa and his horse, using only one shot for each, and then rode 2 1/2 miles to Wills Ranch, where he collapsed.

DOB:October 16, 1889
Entered:May 17, 1926
End of Watch:April 21, 1927
Position:Patrol Inspector

Thad Pippin, Patrol Inspector, El Paso, Texas, met his death in the mountains near Pelea, New Mexico, on the night of April 21, 1927, during the course of a gunfight in which he and a brother officer were engaged with smugglers. Patrol Inspector Crossett who was with him was wounded four times. On information that contraband was being smuggled into the United States through mountains south of the western end of the smelter district of El Paso, a number of Patrol Inspectors, including Inspector Pippin, about 6 p.m., on April 21, 1927, went to Pelea, New Mexico, near these mountains, and continued until they arrived near the trails leading out of Mexico across the mountains.

Just before dark they discovered a pack train approaching along the trail at some distance. It had not yet arrived at a point where the trails intersected and the officers could not ascertain which trail the train would take. The officers divided into two teams and guarded their respective trails until after dark, when one team of officers decided that the pack train must have taken the other trail and started down the mountain in that direction. They had not gone far before they heard rapid shooting from the direction of the other trail, which the team consisting of Officers Crossett and Pippin was guarding.

When the first-mentioned team reached the point where the shooting took place they found Officer Crossett had been shot four times and was in urgent need of medical attention. While one Patrol Inspector went to telephone headquarters, another remained with Crossett and in the meantime located the body of Officer Pippin which had fallen down an embankment after having been shot and killed. Nineteen gallons of liquor and two burros were seized at the time but none of the smuggling party was apprehended.

DOB:May 15, 1901
Entered:February 23, 1926
End of Watch:February 10, 1928
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Ross was shot and killed near Kane Springs, California, on the afternoon of February 10, 1928. He had arrested two Mexican aliens and was attempting to convey them to Patrol Headquarters at El Centro. The aliens, in whose car they were being transported, had a revolver concealed in the automobile which one of the aliens used to kill Inspector Ross. The officer’s body was found on the back seat of the aliens’ abandoned car. He had been shot through the head.

DOB:May 15, 1898
Entered:June 16, 1928
Departed:December 25, 1928
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Lobdell was shot and killed instantly on the night of December 25, 1928, near Roseau, Minnesota, by an individual who was suspected of being an alien entering the United States illegally. Inspector Lobdell was shot while he was attempting to get the individual into the patrol car for transportation to Warroad, Minnesota.

The murderer was apprehended the following day but he denied his guilt and steadfastly refused to make any statement which would reveal his past history. He was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary at Stillwater, Minnesota. Reportedly, he subsequently corresponded with the judge of the court in which he was tried, confessing that he had killed Patrol Inspector Lobdell.

DOB:October 23, 1901
Entered:May 14, 1929
Departed:May 30, 1929
Postion:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Hill was shot and killed near the international boundary, El Paso, Texas, on May 30, 1929, while pursuing a narcotics smuggler whom he had seen cross the Rio Grande River. While being pursued on foot through an alley, the smuggler suddenly wheeled and shot Inspector Hill through the heart, killing him instantly.

DOB:June 17, 1903
Entered:October 29, 1928
Departed:July 20, 1929

Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Scotten was shot and killed in the early morning of July 20, 1929, during a gun battle following the ambush of Scotten and three other Patrol Inspectors at the upper Los Pompos crossing on the Rio Grande River, near San Elizario, Texas, by Mexican alien smugglers numbering 15 or 20.

The smugglers, who had come off second best in a brush with Patrol Inspectors earlier in the night, saw the lights of the returning patrol car, crossed the river to the American side, and hid themselves in the brush at the side of the narrow road along an irrigation ditch which the road crossed. They opened fire on the patrol car from two sides at almost point blank range, killing Scotten before the other officers succeeded in driving them off. One of the smugglers fired a shot through Scotten’s head while Scotten lay wounded in the road.

DOB:January 17, 1902
Entered:October 29, 1927
Departed:December 7, 1933
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Doyne C. Melton was shot and killed in a battle with Mexican smugglers at El Paso, on December 7, 1933. Six Patrol Inspectors were moving up in the darkness on seventeen Mexican smugglers who were wading across the river with packs of liquor. One of three smugglers acting as spotters who had preceded the main body of the smugglers over the river, concealed beneath a platform on the American side, opened hostilities by shooting Inspector Melton.

The opening shot was fired without warning and before any challenge had been given. Inspector Melton was shot through the heart, dying instantly. The bitterness of the fight was evidenced by the fact that in addition to the slaying of Inspector Melton, four smugglers were killed and another was wounded.

DOB:February 27, 1900
Entered:July 31, 1931
Departed:December 27, 1933
Position:Patrol Inspector

On the evening of December 27, 1933, Patrol Inspectors Bert G. Walthall, Louis A. Smith, and Curtis D. Mosely were patrolling the international boundary near Cordova Island at El Paso, Texas. Cordova Island is not in fact an island, but Mexican territory left on the north side of the Rio Grande River when the river changed its course. The boundary here was an imaginary line and a person could step across from one country to another. At about 8:45 p.m., the officers noticed two men cross the line with sacks on their backs and depart in a waiting automobile. The officers attempted to stop the car by blowing their horn but the smugglers only increased their speed. After a chase of a couple of blocks, the patrol car overtook the smugglers and the smugglers pulled over to the side of the road. Before the patrol car could be stopped, it had arrived along side the smugglers’ car, about 10 feet to the left of it. Inspector Mosely was driving, Inspector Walthall was sitting beside him, and Inspector Smith was in the back seat. When the patrol car stopped, Officers Walthall and Smith alighted from the right side. They were met by a blast of rifle fire from the smugglers which instantly killed Inspector Walthall and wounded Inspector Smith. Inspector Mosely had gotten out of the car on the left side and opened fire on the smugglers whose car was then in motion. Inspector Mosely continued shooting with his rifle and pistol until his weapons were empty and then turned his attention to his fellow officers.

DOB:January 17, 1902
Entered:October 29, 1927
Departed:December 7, 1933
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Doyne C. Melton was shot and killed in a battle with Mexican smugglers at El Paso, on December 7, 1933. Six Patrol Inspectors were moving up in the darkness on seventeen Mexican smugglers who were wading across the river with packs of liquor. One of three smugglers acting as spotters who had preceded the main body of the smugglers over the river, concealed beneath a platform on the American side, opened hostilities by shooting Inspector Melton.

The opening shot was fired without warning and before any challenge had been given. Inspector Melton was shot through the heart, dying instantly. The bitterness of the fight was evidenced by the fact that in addition to the slaying of Inspector Melton, four smugglers were killed and another was wounded.

DOB:February 27, 1900
Entered:July 31, 1931
Departed:December 27, 1933
Position:Patrol Inspector

On the evening of December 27, 1933, Patrol Inspectors Bert G. Walthall, Louis A. Smith, and Curtis D. Mosely were patrolling the international boundary near Cordova Island at El Paso, Texas. Cordova Island is not in fact an island, but Mexican territory left on the north side of the Rio Grande River when the river changed its course. The boundary here was an imaginary line and a person could step across from one country to another. At about 8:45 p.m., the officers noticed two men cross the line with sacks on their backs and depart in a waiting automobile. The officers attempted to stop the car by blowing their horn but the smugglers only increased their speed. After a chase of a couple of blocks, the patrol car overtook the smugglers and the smugglers pulled over to the side of the road. Before the patrol car could be stopped, it had arrived along side the smugglers’ car, about 10 feet to the left of it. Inspector Mosely was driving, Inspector Walthall was sitting beside him, and Inspector Smith was in the back seat. When the patrol car stopped, Officers Walthall and Smith alighted from the right side. They were met by a blast of rifle fire from the smugglers which instantly killed Inspector Walthall and wounded Inspector Smith. Inspector Mosely had gotten out of the car on the left side and opened fire on the smugglers whose car was then in motion. Inspector Mosely continued shooting with his rifle and pistol until his weapons were empty and then turned his attention to his fellow officers.

DOB:July 25, 1917
Entered:September 8, 1941
Departed:June 23, 1945
Position:Patrol Inspector

At about 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of June 23, 1945, Patrol Inspectors Earl F. Fleckinger and Wilbur E. Kinney were patrolling on U.S. Highway No. 98 about 1 1/2 miles east of Calexico, California, when they stopped and searched an automobile driven by a Mexican alien. Search of the automobile disclosed a quantity of liquor in the rear compartment, whereupon the alien was placed under arrest.

The officers then started west toward Calexico with the alien. Inspector Fleckinger was driving the government automobile with the alien seated beside him and Inspector Kinney was following immediately behind in the alien’s automobile. They had proceeded about one mile when Mr. Kinney heard two shots and observed the government automobile swerve off the road and into an adjacent canal bank.

Mr. Kinney stopped the alien’s car about 10 or 15 yards ahead of the government car and while he was attempting to get out of the automobile, the alien fired four shots which failed to hit him. Inspector Kinney pursued, caught and subdued the alien, and left him in an apparently unconscious condition lying prone in the center of the highway.

Mr. Kinney then went to the aid of Inspector Fleckinger, at which time his attention was drawn back to the alien who was observed to be staggering across the international boundary into Mexico. Inspector Fleckinger was taken to a hospital in Calexico by a passer-by. He had been shot in the head which resulted in his death about 6:15 p.m. on the same day.

DOB: 1905-12-19
Entered on Duty: 1929-12-26
End of Watch: 1945-11-18

Ned D. Henderson, Autogiro Pilot, died on November 18, 1945, from injuries he received two days earlier when the autogiro he was piloting crashed near Sullivan City, Texas. Pilot Henderson was enroute to his official station at McAllen, Texas, following a detail to San Antonio. He was alone in the plane when it crashed at about 1:00 p.m., November 16, 1945. A witness to the accident, Mr. Francisco Flores, stated that he noticed the aircraft coming from the west just before or about the time it hit an electric high line. The autogiro hit the ground and turned over about two times before it came to rest. Mr. Flores stopped his truck and ran over to the aircraft. He rushed over to Pilot Henderson who was rolling on the ground just outside of the autogiro, his clothes and gloves on fire. Mr. Flores extinguished the flames and then improvised a shade from a blanket he had in his truck. Pilot Henderson was later removed to the McAllen Municipal Hospital by ambulance. A physician’s certificate indicates that Pilot Henderson suffered extensive burns about the face, neck, arms and legs; fracture of the right arm below the shoulder; and a deep cut across the forehead and right cheek. Death occurred at 1:30 a.m., November 18, 1945, about 36 hours after the accident.

DOB:August 4, 1901
Entered on Duty: November 25, 1926
Title: Airplane Pilot
End of Watch: August 29, 1950

Just after dawn on August 29, 1950, Airplane Pilot Michael T. Box was patrolling by plane in the irrigated farm area about 20 miles north of El Paso, Texas, searching for aliens who had walked through the desert at night and were attempting to get away to the north through the upper Rio Grande Valley. Pilot Box was working with two ground crews who were in radio-equipped jeeps. The operation had netted several aliens and others were being sought when the engine of the aircraft stopped and the plane crashed. It burst into flames; however, fellow officers were able to remove Pilot Box from the aircraft within minutes after the crash occurred. Artificial respiration was commenced immediately and was continued until Pilot Box was pronounced dead by a doctor who lived nearby.

Investigation into the accident revealed that the motor of the aircraft ceased apparently due to difficulty in the fuel system. Pilot Box maintained control of the plane as it lost altitude and maneuvered the aircraft into position to make an emergency landing in an irrigation ditch. The aircraft struck a submerged object on the canal bottom upon impact. Pilot Box’s seat strap was broken and he was thrown with terrific force into the wheel and instrument panel. He died instantly as his chest and skull were crushed, his jawbone was broken in two places, and both shoulders were broken.

DOB:December 6, 1926
Entered:February 23, 1949
Departed:December 18, 1950
Position:Patrol Inspector

The incident began as a routine immigration procedure on December 18, 1950. Patrol Inspector Richard D. Clarke and his partner, Patrol Inspector Ralph L. Trantor, questioned Eulalio Cordero on a street in south El Paso, Texas. Cordero first claimed to be a citizen of the United States, later admitting he was an alien illegally in the United States and was subsequently taken into custody.

They were bringing him to headquarters by automobile for further questioning when the alien suddenly stabbed Inspector Clarke in the heart. His death was instantaneous. The alien then seized Inspector Trantor’s gun. Patrol Inspector Trantor slammed on the car brakes held on to the gun and threw himself into the back seat where he grappled with the alien and succeeded in holding him until police officers arrived. During the struggle, Trantor’s gun was discharged once, the bullet passing through a car seat. Inspector Trantor was badly bitten on the face and arms. Cordero was charged with murder.

DOB:July 29, 1912
Entered:July 31, 1944
Departed:July 23, 1954
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Donald Kee’s official station was Mission, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the “wetback” situation under control.

On July 23, 1954, Patrol Inspector Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew.

The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area.

Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when removed from the plane but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

DOB:December 21, 1918
Entered:December 28, 1944
End of Watch:July 23, 1954
Position:Airplane Pilot

On July 23, 1943, Patrol Inspector Donald Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew. The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river.

The plane burst into flames which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when he was removed from the plane but died 45 minutes later at the hospital.

DOB:July 29, 1912
Entered:July 31, 1944
Departed:July 23, 1954
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Donald Kee’s official station was Mission, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the “wetback” situation under control.

On July 23, 1954, Patrol Inspector Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew.

The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area.

Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when removed from the plane but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

DOB:December 21, 1918
Entered:December 28, 1944
End of Watch:July 23, 1954
Position:Airplane Pilot

On July 23, 1943, Patrol Inspector Donald Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew. The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river.

The plane burst into flames which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when he was removed from the plane but died 45 minutes later at the hospital.

DOB:May 6, 1923
Entered:October 15, 1956
Departed:April 16, 1960
Position:Patrol Inspector

On April 16, 1960, Patrol Inspectors Robert M. Chaldu, Archie L. Jennings, and Gordon G. Hanks were assigned to duty from midnight to 8:00 a.m. at a traffic check point known as San Mateo Flats, on Highway 101, about 18 miles north of Oceanside, California. The operation was concerned primarily with locating deportable aliens and alien smugglers who were enroute from the border to interior destinations. All vehicular traffic was stopped and inspected with a view to determining the citizenship status of the occupants. At about 6:40 a.m., an automobile went through the check point without slowing down whereupon Inspector Chaldu pursued the car in a patrol vehicle. At that time, Inspector Jennings was manning the traffic check at the stop sign where vehicles are halted.

A car driven by Mr. Francis J. Defazio approached the stop sign, and his car was struck from behind by a speeding automobile operated by Mr. Gabriel Montoya. On impact, Mr. Defazio’s car went out of control and struck Inspector Jennings, knocking him 50 feet away.

Mr. Defazio’s car was later found to have catapulted some 698 feet beyond the check point. Inspector Jennings was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as basilar fractures of the skull. In addition, he suffered numerous contusions, fractures, and lacerations.

DOB:September 5, 1926
Entered:August 17, 1953
Departed:June 18, 1961
Position:Airplane Pilot

On June 18, 1961, Pilot Kenneth L. Carl responded to assist inspectors in locating several illegal aliens hidden in an alfalfa field nine miles southwest of El Centro, California. He immediately initiated low observation passes over the field. In a short time, he spotted one of the aliens and guided the inspectors to his location. Carl then made repeated passes over the alfalfa field, as well as over an adjoining maize field, searching for the second alien, calling his name over the loudspeaker system, directing him to give up and surrender himself.

The pilot was reported to have been flying at reduced air speed and very close to the ground. After circling the search area, the pilot flew to mid-field and then commenced a left bank which steepened rapidly to a near vertical angle. The aircraft was observed to climb to an altitude of approximately 40 feet above the ground and then to stall. The aircraft struck the ground in a flight path angle of approximately 40 degrees and stopped immediately upon impact with the soft muddy soil. Pilot Carl was pronounced dead prior to being removed from the scene of the accident. It was later ascertained that his heart had been crushed within the rib cage on impact with the instrument panel.

DOB:July 30, 1941
Entered:April 11, 1966
Departed:June 17, 1967
Position:Patrol Inspector

Patrol Inspector Theodore Lawrence Newton, Jr., and his fellow officer, Patrol Inspector (Trainee) George Frederick Azrak, both of Temecula, California, were found murdered in a remote deserted mountain cabin on June 19, 1967, following an intensive 48-hour search after they disappeared while on official duty. The men who were killed were kidnapped from their post during a traffic check operation along Highway 19 near Oak Grove, California, in the early morning hours of June 17, 1967.

The check point was located about 75 miles north of the Mexican border on a route known to have been used by illegal aliens and smugglers of aliens, narcotics, and contraband. The officers failed to report in following an all-night assignment at the road check, and a hurried search failed to reveal the whereabouts of the men and their two vehicles, a jeep and a Border Patrol sedan. The Service jeep was soon located about a mile from the check point where it had been driven through two stock fences and left under a tree in an open field. On June 19, the missing Service sedan was spotted about 9:00 a.m., by a member of a jeep club from Hemet, California.

The sedan had been covered with brush. Fifty feet away was a deserted shack and there the posse located the bodies of the missing patrolmen. The cabin was located on the Bailey Ranch, a mountainous brushy area, off Highway 71 near Anza, California, and about 8 miles northeast of Oak Grove where the officers had been at work. In reconstructing the crimes, it now appears that Patrol Inspectors Newton and Azrak intercepted a vehicle in which over 800 pounds of marijuana were being transported. While checking this vehicle the officers were overpowered by four convicted felons, two of whom had been following the load of marijuana in a second vehicle. The officers were then taken to the mountain cabin where they were made to lie prone with their arms extended toward each other inside a shelf of an old stove. The right wrist of one man was handcuffed to the left wrist of the other, and vice versa. While incapacitated in this manner they were shot and killed. Autopsies performed revealed Patrol Inspector Newton had been shot once in the head while three shots were fired into Patrol Inspector Azrak, two in the head and one in the chest. Their bodies bore no marks to indicate there had been a struggle.

DOB:June 30, 1945
Entered:May 15, 1967
Departed:June 17, 1967
Position:Patrol Inspector (Trainee)

Patrol Inspector Theodore Lawrence Newton, Jr., and his fellow officer, Patrol Inspector (Trainee) George Frederick Azrak, both of Temecula, California, were found murdered in a remote deserted mountain cabin on June 19, 1967, following an intensive 48-hour search after they disappeared while on official duty. The men who were killed were kidnapped from their post during a traffic check operation along Highway 19 near Oak Grove, California, in the early morning hours of June 17, 1967.

The check point was located about 75 miles north of the Mexican border on a route known to have been used by illegal aliens and smugglers of aliens, narcotics, and contraband. The officers failed to report in following an all-night assignment at the road check, and a hurried search failed to reveal the whereabouts of the men and their two vehicles, a jeep and a Border Patrol sedan. The Service jeep was soon located about a mile from the check point where it had been driven through two stock fences and left under a tree in an open field.

On June 19, the missing Service sedan was spotted about 9:00 a.m., by a member of a jeep club from Hemet, California. The sedan had been covered with brush. Fifty feet away was a deserted shack and there the posse located the bodies of the missing patrolmen. The cabin was located on the Bailey Ranch, a mountainous brushy area, off Highway 71 near Anza, California, and about 8 miles northeast of Oak Grove where the officers had been at work. In reconstructing the crimes, it now appears that Patrol Inspectors Newton and Azrak intercepted a vehicle in which over 800 pounds of marijuana were being transported. While checking this vehicle the officers were overpowered by four convicted felons, two of whom had been following the load of marijuana in a second vehicle.

The officers were then taken to the mountain cabin where they were made to lie prone with their arms extended toward each other inside a shelf of an old stove. The right wrist of one man was handcuffed to the left wrist of the other, and vice versa. While incapacitated in this manner they were shot and killed. Autopsies performed revealed Patrol Inspector Newton had been shot once in the head while three shots were fired into Patrol Inspector Azrak, two in the head and one in the chest. Their bodies bore no marks to indicate there had been a struggle.

DOB:February 16, 1923
Entered:May 1, 1950
Departed:October 25, 1968
Position:Patrol Inspector

On October 25, 1968, Patrol Inspector Ralph L. Anderson was assigned to the international boundary near San Ysidro, California. He was working alone, checking the drag trails for signs of illegal crossing. Shortly after 4:00 p.m., Patrol Inspector Charles Thompson found Patrol Inspector Anderson in a Service-owned vehicle in a remote area near the Mexican border east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. There was a bullet wound in Inspector Anderson’s right temple and a 218 “Bee” Savage bold action rifle inside the vehicle, with the muzzle pointing upward and leaning toward the decedent.

An investigation conducted by FBI Agent Nicks revealed that the rifle was carried loosely inside the vehicle with the muzzle upward. A mark on a gearshift lever knob indicated that the trigger of the weapon had fallen against the knob. The impact discharged the rifle, and the projectile struck Inspector Anderson in the right temporal region. There was no indication of any other person or persons having been in the area. San Diego County Deputy Coroner Murphy concluded the mode of death to be accidental.

DOB:July 31, 1924
Entered:June 8, 1955
Departed:December 8, 1968
Position:Senior Patrol Inspector

Official reports covering the death of Senior Patrol Inspector James G. Burns indicated he was performing line watch operations, looking for evidence of illegal aliens in a river bottom near Calexico, California, on Sunday, December 8, 1968. He was searching places of concealment in heavy undergrowth which was exceptionally strenuous activity and required considerable physical exertion.

At 6:30 a.m., he began to suffer pains in the chest area which prompted him to immediately return to the office. He was taken home by another officer and was then conveyed to the El Centro Community Hospital by his wife. He passed away at 8:25 a.m., less than two hours after being stricken. Death was caused by an occlusion of the left coronary artery due to arteriosclerosis.

DOB:July 15, 1923
Entered:May 2, 1955
Departed:October 4, 1973
Position:Airplane Pilot

Both Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl and his observer, Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue, were stationed at Yuma, Arizona, when they were killed in an airplane crash. The officers were on a signcutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before.

After some five hours of fight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations.

At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position. Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact.

DOB:April 6, 1935
Entered:November 23, 1960
Departed:October 4, 1973
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

Both Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl and his observer, Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue, were stationed at Yuma, Arizona, when they were killed in an airplane crash. The officers were on a signcutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before.

After some five hours of fight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations. At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position. Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact.

DOB:November 24, 1936
Entered:June 22, 1970
Departed:March 20, 1974
Position:Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agent Lee L. Bounds of the Lordsburg Station, El Paso Sector, was killed in a jeep accident on March 29, 1974. He was traveling alone on a road between Animas and Rodeo, New Mexico, southwest of Lordsburg, and ran the jeep off the right shoulder of the road.

He lost control when he attempted to steer the vehicle back onto the road and the jeep overturned. Bounds was thrown from the vehicle, which rolled over him before stopping in an upright position, Mr. Bounds’ head was crushed. The jeep, which was equipped with seat belts and a roll-bar, was damaged extensively.

DOB:July 25, 1948
Entered:April 30, 1973
Departed:July 8, 1974
Position:Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agent Glenn A. Phillips of the Chula Vista Station, Chula Vista Sector, was killed at 9:40 p.m. on July 8, 1974, in a jeep accident. He was traveling alone on the Tijuana Street Extension, a dirt road located near the international boundary approximately one mile west of the Port of Entry at San Ysidro. Agent Phillips was responding to a call for assistance from Patrol Agent Petraglia who had spotted a group of aliens entering the United States illegally.

The San Diego Police Department’s report indicates that Agent Phillips was traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour, probably without lights, when his jeep crashed into the front end of a parked flatbed trailer. The jeep was badly damaged and the front of the trailer extended well into the interior and to the rear of the jeep. The bed of the trailer struck the right side of Agent Phillips’ face, apparently killing him instantly.

DOB:January 3, 1947
Entered:October 4, 1976
Departed:April 21, 1978
Position:Patrol Agent

Patrol Agent Jose P. Gamez, Jr. was working 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight in the area of an isolated checkgate on the Maverick County Irrigation Canal in the Quemado Valley, 25 miles north of Eagle Pass, Texas on April 21, 1978. Patrol Agent Frank J. Lugo, with whom Gamez was working, reported him missing.

According to Agent Lugo, he had become separated from Gamez while they were attempting to apprehend four or five undocumented aliens. Agent Gamez’s body was recovered from the canal the next morning and it was presumed he had fallen into the canal and drowned. A few days later, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s report revealed Agent Gamez had been choked, probably with a board, and dragged to the canal by an assailant or assailants unknown. He was dead when he was thrown into the water.

DOB:July 18, 1939
Entered:November 2, 1970
Departed:October 19, 1979
Position:Aircraft Pilot

During the afternoon of October 19, 1979, Pilot Smith had been working with ground agents Roxy D. Kieffe and Frank Ureta, Jr., of Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station. They were trailing aliens on the Gallagor Ranch, about 10 miles north of Guerra, Jim Hogg County, Texas. Pilot Smith returned to McAllen to refuel. As he was returning to the location of the aliens, he passed about 100 feet over Kieffe, relocated the trail, and started relaying the location to Kieffe.

He said, “I found the tr-” and quit transmitting in mid-sentence. Officer Kieffe did not see the crash, but saw the smoke and ran toward it. The plane was completely engulfed in flames, destroyed by the impact and fire. Pilot Smith died on initial impact. A Justice of the Peace from Hebbronville, Texas, held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Pilot Smith dead. Subsequent investigation determined that the aircraft had stalled and the pilot was unable to recover from the stall.

DOB:September 12, 1954
Entered:August 19, 1983
Departed:November 21, 1983
Position: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee)

Thomas K. Byrd was struck by an eastbound vehicle at about 5:00 p.m. (EST) on the afternoon of November 21, 1983, when the motorcycle on which he was a passenger, lost control. The owner and driver of the motorcycle, Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) James Hearne, was unable to see a vehicle making a left hand turn as he and Agent Byrd left the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to drop off a payment for class T-shirts that had been promised to the vendor by close of business on that date.

Apparently, when Agents Hearne and Byrd left the training center, the sun was positioned in front of them in such a manner as to make visibility very difficult. When Agent Hearne realized that a vehicle in front of him was about to make a stop (or turn) it was too late to make a safe stop. Agent Hearne made a correction to the left side of the vehicle in an effort to avoid hitting but lost control of the motorcycle in the attempt. The motorcycle fell to the ground throwing Agent Hearne clear out of the path of the oncoming traffic.

Agent Byrd, however, was struck by a vehicle in the oncoming traffic and dragged for some distance. Agent Byrd was rushed to Brunswick Memorial Hospital by ambulance where all efforts to save him failed. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7:00 p.m. (EST) by the attending physician. Both Agents Byrd and Hearne were attending the 151th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Glynco, Georgia, when the accident occurred. Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Byrd was a high academic achiever and was regarded with high esteem by the members of his class.

DOB:April 25, 1950
Entered:March 12, 1984
Departed:January 2, 1985
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On January 2, 1985, Agent Salcido was enroute to Del Rio Sector Headquarters and traveling in a seized 1975 Ford sedan. Agent Salcido’s vehicle went out of control on an ice glazed concrete bridge and was struck broadside on the driver’s side by a southbound vehicle in the southbound lane. The other vehicle was a 1984 Suburban enroute to Eagle Pass, Texas. Agent Salcido was killed and the driver of the second vehicle was hospitalized with head and chest injuries. No other persons were involved in the accident.

DOB:September 12, 1954
Entered:August 19, 1983
Departed:November 21, 1983
Position: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee)

Thomas K. Byrd was struck by an eastbound vehicle at about 5:00 p.m. (EST) on the afternoon of November 21, 1983, when the motorcycle on which he was a passenger, lost control. The owner and driver of the motorcycle, Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) James Hearne, was unable to see a vehicle making a left hand turn as he and Agent Byrd left the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to drop off a payment for class T-shirts that had been promised to the vendor by close of business on that date.

Apparently, when Agents Hearne and Byrd left the training center, the sun was positioned in front of them in such a manner as to make visibility very difficult. When Agent Hearne realized that a vehicle in front of him was about to make a stop (or turn) it was too late to make a safe stop. Agent Hearne made a correction to the left side of the vehicle in an effort to avoid hitting but lost control of the motorcycle in the attempt. The motorcycle fell to the ground throwing Agent Hearne clear out of the path of the oncoming traffic.

Agent Byrd, however, was struck by a vehicle in the oncoming traffic and dragged for some distance. Agent Byrd was rushed to Brunswick Memorial Hospital by ambulance where all efforts to save him failed. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7:00 p.m. (EST) by the attending physician. Both Agents Byrd and Hearne were attending the 151th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Glynco, Georgia, when the accident occurred. Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Byrd was a high academic achiever and was regarded with high esteem by the members of his class.

DOB:April 25, 1950
Entered:March 12, 1984
Departed:January 2, 1985
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On January 2, 1985, Agent Salcido was enroute to Del Rio Sector Headquarters and traveling in a seized 1975 Ford sedan. Agent Salcido’s vehicle went out of control on an ice glazed concrete bridge and was struck broadside on the driver’s side by a southbound vehicle in the southbound lane. The other vehicle was a 1984 Suburban enroute to Eagle Pass, Texas. Agent Salcido was killed and the driver of the second vehicle was hospitalized with head and chest injuries. No other persons were involved in the accident.

DOB:January 9, 1941
Entered:April 11, 1966
End of Watch:July 14, 1989
Position:Air Operations Supervisor

On July 14, 1989, Pilot Roberson departed the Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, at 5:50 a.m., in Service aircraft N29162. Shortly after takeoff, he responded to a request for assistance in the Yuma freight yards where Border Patrol units were conducting freight train check operations.

At 6:10 a.m., Pilot Roberson departed the freight yard area and proceeded south to County 23rd and Avenue 2E to assist ground units in working a trail of three aliens.

Upon arrival, Pilot Roberson commenced “signcutting” while maintaining radio contact with Senior Patrol Agent David Ramirez and Patrol Agent Rosendo Guillen, who were working in the immediate area on the trail. At 6:24 a.m., Pilot Roberson stalled the aircraft and crashed. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the impact and post crash fire. Pilot Roberson died instantly.

DOB:December 11, 1946
Entered:June 21, 1971
End of Watch:September 6, 1989
Position:Anti-Smuggling Agent

On September 6, 1989, at 1:45 a.m., Anti-Smuggling Agent Keith Connelly was shot by alien smugglers in the city of Fresno, California, where he died shortly thereafter. Agent Connelly was working an undercover operation accompanied by his partner, Ted Jordan, who was also shot but survived the ordeal. The Fresno, California Police Department responded to the emergency assistance call and apprehended the suspects who were turned over to the FBI for prosecution.

Keith Connelly joined the U.S. Border Patrol in June 21, 1971, in Chula Vista, California, being assigned to the San Clemente Station. He then transferred to Rouses Point, New York, in September 1975 and worked along the Northern Border until reassigned to San Clemente in May 1978. In 1983, he was transferred to Fresno, California, where he became a Senior Border Patrol Agent in December 1986. In August 1988, he was promoted to Special Agent assigned to the Fresno Anti-Smuggling Unit where he served until his death.

DOB:August 19, 1942
Entered:October 09, 1973
Departed:June 13, 1992
Position: Airplane Pilot

On June 13, 1992, Pilot Louis Stahl was reportedly tracking a group of illegal aliens near the railroad tracks in a mountainous area near Sunland Park, New Mexico. According to witnesses, the Hughes OH6A helicopter, piloted by Agent Stahl, dropped down and snagged a string of power lines that hung approximately 300 feet above the tracks. The contact with the power lines tilted his aircraft to the right and into another set of utility lines.

The helicopter was then thrown downward where it nose-dived into a nearby canyon, slamming upside down on the desert floor in a valley north of Mount Cristo Rey. In the crash, the cockpit was demolished and Agent Stahl was pinned underneath the wreckage. After seeing the crash, the subjects who were observed by the pilot, reportedly raced a half-mile east to go get help at the American Eagle Brick Company, where workers dialed 911.

The workers then drove to the site and attempted to lift the smashed aircraft off the pilot. Shortly thereafter, fire fighters, police, and Border Patrol Agents arrived at the scene to render aid. The downed pilot was pulled from the wreckage where he was pronounced dead. The pilot’s body was taken to Thomason General Hospital. Agent Stahl was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He began his career with the Border Patrol in 1973, where he served in Presidio, Texas. He later entered the Pilot Program at Marfa, Texas, in May 1978. He then transferred to El Paso Sector in July 1983, which was his last assignment.

DOB:July 6, 1958
Entered:January 27, 1987
End of Watch:January 7, 1995
Position:Border Patrol Agent

Agent Nava died of injuries sustained in a single car vehicular accident. January 6, 1995, Agent Nava was on his way to conduct a train check. He was traveling on Farm Road 1572, 45 miles east of Del Rio, Texas. His Service vehicle struck a deer causing him to lose control.

The vehicle overturned several times and Agent Nava was thrown from the vehicle. Agent Nava was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 a.m. on January 7. Jose Nava was born in Brownsville, Texas. He began his career with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. On April 9, 1989, he transferred to the Del Rio Sector and was assigned to the Brackettville Station.

DOB:November 19, 1954
Entered:July 5, 1988
End of Watch:April 18, 1995
Position:Border Patrol Agent

Laredo North Border Patrol Agent Joe R. White passed away early in the morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while on duty at the IH-35 checkpoint. Agent White was transported to Doctors Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Agent White was a 7 year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and a graduate of the 223rd Border Patrol Academy class.

Agent White was a K-9 handler — assigned K-9 Brutus. Prior to Brutus, Agent White was the handler for Benno. Benno was one of the original K-9’s assigned to the Laredo Sector. During his 3 1/2 year tenure as a K-9 handler, Agent White made 155 narcotic seizures worth $8,836,512, seized $126,800 in U.S. currency, and located 1,701 undocumented aliens.

DOB:September 9, 1950
Entered:September 15, 1980
Departed:May 10, 1995
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

On May 10, 1989, Border Patrol Agent Xavier Magdaleno and his partner were driving their Service vehicle alongside the railroad tracks in an area of the El Paso Sector known as the “Slag Pit”, performing Freight-train Transportation Check duties. Preparing to check an outbound Southern Pacific freight train, the agents were driving east between the slag piles and outbound tracks. The assigned vehicle Agent Magdaleno was driving became mired in the “slag” near the railroad tracks. Once clear of the slag piles, Agent Magdaleno tried to execute a 180-degree turn.

The wheels of the vehicle began to slide in the soft slag and continued to plow forward. Moments later an inbound train impacted with his Service vehicle. Due to the slag piles and the curve of the track the agents did not see the train coming until it was about 75 yards from the vehicle. Although Magdaleno put the vehicle into reverse to avoid the train, the train struck the vehicle on the passenger side and threw the rear of the vehicle toward the track, striking it again. On the initial impact, Magdaleno’s partner was thrown out of the vehicle away from the train. The second impact threw Magdaleno out of the vehicle and it came to rest on top of him.

As a result of the accident Agent Magdaleno was left paralyzed from the neck down and died from his injuries on May 10, 1995 six years after the accident. Agent Magdaleno will always be remembered for his amicable personality, his kindness and compassion toward his co-workers as well as the people he apprehended, for his devotion to duty and love for his family.

DOB:November 16, 1962
Entered:January 19, 1988
Departed:January 19, 1996
Position:Senior Border Patrol Agent

At approximately 10:30 p.m., January 19, Senior Border Patrol Agent Jefferson Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas responded to electronic sensor activity at a location on the Rio Grande River 2 1/2 miles downriver from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry. The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic.

When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river. Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject, simultaneously, responded with gunfire at Agent Barr. The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area. The path of the projectile that struck Agent Barr was such that the wound was fatal instantly.

Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once. The round struck the suspect’s left wrist, shattering his wristwatch, and entered his abdominal cavity. The suspect was able to walk to the river and cross back into Mexico. He was found shortly thereafter, suffering from his wounds and was taken for medical treatment. He was subsequently taken into custody by Mexican authorities.

DOB:November 12, 1963
Entered:February 28, 1985
Departed:January 25, 1996
Position:Border Patrol Agent

At approximately 8:40 a.m. on January 25, Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia was involved in a vehicle accident on California State Route 78, near Glamis, California. Permanently assigned to the Blythe Station, Agent Valencia was working backup for the Highway 78 checkpoint. As he attempted a U-turn to get behind and investigate a suspected smuggling vehicle parked south of the checkpoint, his Service vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound motorist.

Agent Valencia died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident. Agent Valencia began his career with INS as a student aide at Tucson Sector Headquarters. He was promoted to Clerk two months later.

After a short break in service, he entered on duty as an Immigration Detention Officer at Wilcox Station, Tucson Sector, on November 26, 1986. On June 13, 1988, he entered on duty as a Border Patrol Agent at Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, the position he was filling at the time of his death.

DOB:September 29, 1952
Entered:May 12, 1980
Departed:March 10, 1997
Position:Senior Border Patrol Agent

At approximately 11:24 a.m., Senior Patrol Agent Miguel Maldonado of the Port Isabel Station was performing sensor response patrol duties alone in a Service vehicle, traveling on Alton Gloor Road in Brownsville, Texas. An eyewitness stated that Agent Maldonado’s vehicle turned left across the center line of the road, sliding across the roadway and into the ditch adjacent to the road. It then struck an earthen berm with its passenger side tires and rolled over one complete turn, landing on its wheels.

At the time of the accident, Agent Maldonado was driving in an emergency response mode with his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren activated.Supervisory Patrol Agent Herbert J. Monette of the Brownsville Station was notified of the accident and arrived at the scene soon afterward as EMS personnel were trying to save Agent Maldonado. They then decided to transport Agent Maldonado to Brownsville Medical Center, where emergency room personnel also tried to save him.

But about 12:15 p.m., Agent Monette was informed that Agent Maldonado had died from wounds sustained in the accident. The likely cause of the accident was the wet condition of the roadway.Agent Maldonado began his Border Patrol career with the Laredo Sector. He was reassigned in August 1988 as Senior Border Patrol Agent at the Port Isabel Station under the McAllen Sector, the position he held at the time of his death.

DOB:January 3, 1972
Entered:November 13, 1995
Departed:June 14, 1997
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On June 14, 1997, Border Patrol Agent Stephen C. Starch and Senior Patrol Agent Aric Curtis were patrolling the border area south of State Route 94 in the Dulzura, California, area. During the mid-afternoon hours, they found tracks of suspected illegal immigrants in the rugged mountains of San Diego’s East County. Fully aware of terrain obstacles and even though their shift was almost over, Agents Starch and Curtis forged ahead, scaling the side of a mountain. Agent Starch separated from Agent Curtis to cover more territory.

During the next hour, Agent Curtis tried numerous times to contact Agent Starch by radio but was unsuccessful. He contacted Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Wayne Rock and Brian Brown, who also tried to contact Agent Starch, but to no avail. A ground and air search for Agent Starch was begun. Around 6:30 p.m., Agent Curtis discovered Agent Starch at the base of a cliff. He had sustained severe injuries and was not breathing. A medical helicopter from Mercy Air arrived at the scene, along with a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter.

Agent Curtis began administering CPR and was assisted by others. Because of the remoteness and the rough terrain, a higher medical authority could not arrive before dark. After nearly an hour of CPR, the attending Emergency Medical Technician consulted with the Flight Doctor from Mercy Air by radio and pronounced Agent Starch dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The next day, investigators determined that Agent Starch had accidentally fallen about 150 feet to this death. Agent Starch was a graduate of Texas Tech University and the Border Patrol Academy, Class 295. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the San Diego Sector, El Cajon Station, Sign-Cut Unit.

DOB:July 11, 1969
Entered:September 20, 1992
Departed:July 7, 1998
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agent Susan Lynn Rodriguez and several other agents responded to a call for assistance from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department south of San Benito, Texas. The Sheriff’s deputies were pursuing a double homicide suspect. Agent Rodriguez was helping to set up a perimeter in an attempt to contain the fleeing suspect in a wooded area where he was believed to be hiding.

As Agents Rodriguez and Ricardo Salinas walked back to their vehicle, the suspect emerged from a cornfield and began firing on them and the other law enforcement officers on the scene. During the ensuing gun battle, Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were killed. Agent Rodriguez was the first female agent in the history of the United States Border Patrol to lose her life in the line of duty. At the time of her death, she was assigned to the Harlingen Station of the McAllen Sector. She was a graduate of the 261st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

DOB:April 29, 1974
Entered:September 8, 1997
Departed:July 7, 1998
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agent Ricardo G. Salinas and several other agents responded to a call for assistance from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department south of San Benito, Texas. The Sheriff’s deputies were pursuing a double homicide suspect. Agent Salinas was helping to set up a perimeter in an attempt to confine the suspect to a wooded area where he was believed to be hiding.

As Agents Salinas and Agent Susan Rodriguez walked back to their vehicle, the suspect emerged from a cornfield and began firing on them and other law enforcement officers at the scene. During the ensuing gun battle, Agents Salinas and Rodriguez were killed. At the time of his death, Agent Salinas was assigned to the Harlingen Station of the McAllen Sector. He was a graduate of the 351st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.

DOB:July 21, 1966
Entered:May 5, 1994
Departed:October 20, 1998
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

On Tuesday October 20, 1998, at 7 p.m., Agents Thomas J. Williams and Jesus De La Ossa were traveling to San Diego after successfully completing the Border Patrol Academy Instructor’s Course. They were involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle and lost their lives in the accident. The accident happened about 15 miles west of Artesia, New Mexico. Agent Williams was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Western Illinois University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in criminal justice. He served in the Navy for 4 years, 2 of which were served on the submarine Henry Clay. He joined the INS as a Border Patrol Agent and was later promoted to Senior Patrol Agent. At the time of his death, his official station was Brown Field, California. He was a graduate of the 266th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

DOB:January 15, 1945
Entered:March 6, 1978
Departed:October 23, 1998
Position:Aircraft Pilot

On Friday October 23, 1998, at 2 p.m., Agent Scott Panchison was flying a U.S. Border Patrol plane in response to motion sensors tripped along the United States-Canadian Border near Lynden, Washington. Agent Panchison was working with other agents in the area and was heading back to Bellingham International Airport when his plane crashed on rugged terrain in the Smith Peak area just north of Mount Baker Highway on the west side of Sumas Mountain.

Agent Panchison lost his life in the crash. Agent Panchison was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. After graduation, Agent Panchison joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he spent 10 years flying F4 Phantoms, including flights from aircraft carriers in the Vietnam War. He left the Corps to join the U.S. Border Patrol, where he proudly served for 21 years. At the time of his death, he was stationed at the Blaine Sector. He was a graduate of the 119th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

DOB:July 6, 1971
Entered:August 4, 1996
Departed:March 27, 1999
Position:Border Patrol Agent

Around 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 1999, Border Patrol Agent Stephen M. Sullivan was transporting a group of aliens on the Otay Truck Trail when his vehicle overturned and rolled down an embankment. Three of the aliens, who had been thrown from the vehicle, climbed up out of the embankment and approached another Border Patrol Agent, stating that others were still inside the vehicle and had been injured.

Four people, including Agent Sullivan, were killed in the accident. Agent Sullivan began his career with the INS as an Adjudications Officer in Los Angeles. He was hired by the Border Patrol in September 1997. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the El Cajon Station of the San Diego Sector

DOB:April 17, 1970
Entered:September 21, 1998
Departed:March 2, 2001
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On Monday, January 29, 2001, Border Patrol Agent Daniel M. James, Jr., and his partner were turning their Service vehicle around at the junction of Highways 716 and 429 to pursue three vehicles reported to be carrying illegal aliens.

They hit a dip in the road, which caused the vehicle to overturn several times. Agent James was thrown from the vehicle and pinned against a fence. He was taken to Christus Spohn memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He passed away on Friday, March 2, 2001, because of injuries sustained in the accident. Agent James was a native of Canton, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Marines from March 1988 to June 1996. He was a graduate of the 389th session of the Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. At the time of his death, his official station was Freer, Texas.

DOB:June 14, 1972
Entered:March 9, 1998
End of Watch:January 17, 2002
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at 12:08 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Eloy Hernandez was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol near Progresso, Texas. He was rounding a curve on a gravel road when his vehicle rolled over twice. A fellow Border Patrol Agent located the wreck.

Agent Hernandez was flown to Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas but had already succumbed to his injuries. Agent Hernandez had been with the Border Patrol for over three years and was assigned to the Weslaco Station in the McAllen Sector and a graduate of the 367 session of the Border Patrol Academy at Charleston, SC. Agent Hernandez was a native of Mercedes, Texas.

DOB:March 29, 1968
Entered:January 4, 1998
End of Watch:May 6, 2002
Position: Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agent Roberto J. Duran was on temporary assignment to the Casa Grande Station, Arizona on Monday, May 6, 2002 when he was involved in a fatal vehicle accident. Agent Duran was returning to the Casa Grande Station in his Service vehicle on Federal Route 15 at the end of a midnight shift. At approximately 5:25 a.m., an agent following Agent Duran witnessed his vehicle leave the pavement of the east side of the road. Agent Duran apparently over-corrected which caused the vehicle to overturn several times and ejected him from the vehicle.

Agents from the Casa Grande Station attempted to render emergency aid to Agent Duran and provide comfort. However, he died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the accident. Agent Duran was a native of Anthony, New Mexico. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1986 to 1997. He was a graduate of 361st Session of the United States Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. At the time of his death, his official station was Chula Vista, California.

DOB:March 9, 1979
Entered:January 13, 2003
Departed:December 16, 2003
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On December 16, 2003, at approximately 7 p.m., Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling was reported missing after responding to sensor activity along the Colorado River near Andrade, California. Agent Epling had apprehended two Chinese illegal immigrants and had rescued a Chinese illegal immigrant from drowning in the Colorado River. Agent Epling was attempting to apprehend other illegal immigrants along the river when he suddenly disappeared.

A massive rescue operation by Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue teams, as well as multiple local, State, Federal, tribal, and foreign agencies, was immediatey initiated. This response and coordinated rescue effort continued for 3 days. On December 19, 2003, at approximately 7:15 p.m., with the aid of an underwater camera, Agent Epling’s body was located 29 feet deep in the Colorado River.

He was approximately 200 yards from where it was believed he initially disappeared. The investigation revealed that Agent Epling had died as a result of accidental drowning. Agent Epling was 24 years old and was a graduate of the 537th session of the Border Patrol Academy. On January 28, 2004 James Paul Epling II was born.

DOB:May 3, 1973
Entered:December 1, 1997
Departed:September 19, 2004
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m, Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol operations on the Rio Grande near the Free Trade bridge at Los Indios, Texas, when their boat capsized. Agents Wilson, Travis Attaway, and Javier Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving-waters of the Rio Grande.

Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agents Wilson and Attaway. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Wilson was recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat had initially capsized. Agent Wilson was 29 years old and was a graduate of the 356th session of the Border Patrol Academy.

DOB:November 9, 1972
Entered:April 25, 1999
End of Watch:December 19, 2004
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

Senior Patrol Agent George Debates, 32, was performing patrol duties on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona when he was involved in a fatal vehicle accident on Federal Route 21. A veteran of over four years, Agent Debates was a graduate of Border Patrol Academy Class 403 and had worked at both Casa Grande and Nogales Border Patrol Stations. He was 32 years old.

DOB:February 20, 1978
Entered:December 01, 2002
Departed:March 14, 2006
Position:Senior Patrol Agent

Agent Nicholas Greenig was killed in a vehicle accident on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation in Pima County, Arizona, when the department vehicle he was riding in struck a bull walking across the highway. He and his partner were working a plainclothes detail when the accident occurred at approximately 8:00 pm. Agent Greenig had served with the Border Patrol for 3 years and was assigned to Ajo Station in Tucson Sector.

Agent Greenig was raised in Laurel, Montana where he attended public schools before he transferred to a private high school in Billings. He graduated with honors from Utah Valley State College in Provo and joined the Border Patrol in 2002. Agent Greenig was a graduate of Border Patrol Academy Class #535. He was a Senior Patrol Agent and a member of a special unit that targets violent criminal organizations that smuggle people and drugs. At his memorial service, Agent Greenig’s family described him as a man of faith and dedication.

He was the youngest of five children. Agent Greenig went on to become a dedicated law enforcement officer who was working toward his childhood dream of joining the FBI, said his brother Daniel. While he often shared stories about the harrowing cases he worked as a Border Patrol Agent, Daniel Greenig said his brother remained a man of faith and dedication. “In a world that typically has no time for God, Nick was a man of prayer,” he said.

DOB:March 27, 1983
Entered:August 15, 2005
End of Watch:March 15, 2007
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On March 15, 2007, Agent Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and his partner Agent David J. Tourscher were involved in a single vehicle accident while returning from patrol duties in the Lordsburg Station Area of Responsibility. Though a valiant effort was made to save Agent Nevarez by fellow Border Patrol Agents, the New Mexico State Police, the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, local EMS and local citizens, Agent Nevarez succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident.

Agent Nevarez had served with the Border Patrol for 2 years and was assigned to Lordsburg Station in the El Paso Sector. Agent Nevarez was raised in Laredo, Texas. Agent Nevarez was a graduate of Border Patrol Academy Class #598. Ramon’s fellow agents remember him as a dedicated agent with a great attitude, infectious smile, and an admirable work ethic.

DOB:November 2, 1982
Entered:June 26, 2006
End of Watch:March 16, 2007
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On March 15, 2007, Agent David James Tourscher and his partner Agent Ramon Nevarez Jr. were involved in a single vehicle accident while returning from patrol duties in the Lordsburg Station Area of Responsibility. Though a valiant effort was made to save Agent Tourscher by fellow Border Patrol Agents, the New Mexico State Police, the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, local EMS and local citizens, Agent Tourscher succumbed to his injuries after being air lifted to Thomason Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Agent Tourscher was born in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and was raised in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Springfiled High School. David earned a degree in Political Science from Kutztown University. David graduated from the 625th Session of the Border Patrol Academy on November 11, 2006. David excelled in academics and physical training. He is survived by his father Gary Tourscher, his mother Jeanne Tourscher, his sister Sara Tourscher and his brother Lee Tourscher.

Date of Birth: March 26, 1980
Entered on Duty: February 16, 2009
Title: Border Patrol Agent (trainee)
End of Watch: May 1, 2009

Border Patrol Agent Nathaniel Afolayan passed away the day after collapsing at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. He had just completed the 1-½-mile run portion of the physical techniques final exam when he collapsed.

He was flown to the Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, where he passed away the following day. Agent Afolayan had been sworn in as an agent at the beginning of the academy session in February and had served with the Border Patrol for 10 weeks. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and three siblings.

Date of Birth: January 19, 1962
Entered on Duty: September 30, 1984
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 21, 2009

Border Patrol Agent Cruz McGuire, of the Del Rio Texas Station, collapsed the morning of May 21, 2009. Attempts by his fellow agents and medical professionals to revive him were unsuccessful. At the time of his collapse, Agent McGuire was working a trail with other agents.

Agent McGuire began his career in law enforcement with the Del Rio Police Department and later joined the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office. Agent McGuire graduated with the 166th Session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the Kingsville Station. Agent McGuire transferred to the Del Rio Station on April 12, 1998.

Entered: October 14, 1984
End of Watch: September 14, 2009

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin died as the result of Hepatitis C, which she had contracted after being stuck by a syringe while searching a vehicle.

On July 14, 1994, she was searching a vehicle at the Temecula Station in California when her hand came in contact with the hidden syringe. She tested positive for Hepatitis C in 1998 and medically retired from the Border Patrol in 2002. She passed as a result of the disease on September 14, 2009. Agent McLaughlin had served with the United States Border Patrol for 18 years.

Entered: January 19, 2009
End of Watch: May 23, 2010
Position: Border Patrol Agent

On May 23, 2010, at approximately 11:25 p.m. Border Patrol Agent Mark F. Van Doren of the Falfurrias Station was killed when his patrol car collided with a steer and a tree on Farm-to-Market Road 755, in Brooks County, Texas three miles west of US Highway 281. Border Patrol Agent Adelaido Martinez of the Falfurrias Station was also injured in the accident, and was hospitalized in stable condition.

Agent Van Doren began his career with the Border Patrol on January 19, 2009, as a member of the 849th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Falfurrias Station in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. Agent Van Doren is survived by his parents, two brothers and three children.

Date of Birth November 16, 1971
Entered on Duty: August 20, 2001
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 12, 2011

On the morning of May 12, 2011, Border Patrol Agent Hector R. Clark, and his partner Agent Eduardo Rojas, Jr., were killed when their government vehicle was struck by a freight train near Gila Bend, Arizona, while assisting other agents in pursuit of a group of suspected illegal aliens at the time of the accident. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Date of Birth: May 12, 1983
Entered on Duty: May 22, 2006
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 6, 2012

On July 6, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Leopoldo Cavazos Jr., a six-year veteran posted at the Fort Hancock Station, died from injuries sustained in an on-duty, all-terrain vehicle accident near the Fort Hancock Port of Entry. Agent Cavazos is survived by his wife, two daughters and a third child expected later this summer. Agent Cavazos entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 22, 2006, as a member of the 621st Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Fort Hancock Station in the El Paso Sector.

Date of Birth: April 5, 1971
Entered on Duty: May 7, 2000
Title: Border Patrol Agent
Departed: July 19, 2012

On July 19, 2012, Border Patrol Agent James R. Dominguez of the Del Rio Sector was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a passing vehicle along Highway 90 near Cline, Texas. Agent Dominguez was helping a disabled motorist remove debris from the roadway when the accident occurred. 

 Agent Dominguez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol as a member of the 434th Session of the Border Patrol Academy on May 7, 2000, and was assigned to the Uvalde Station.  Agent Dominguez is survived by his wife Victoria; his three daughters, Sylvia, Jacquelin, and Isabella; his son, James Michel; his brother, Lead Border Patrol Agent Carlos Dominguez Jr., and his father, retired Border Patrol Agent Carlos Dominguez. 

Date of Birth: October 13, 1981
Entered on Duty: January 3, 2008
Title: Border Patrol Agent
Departed: October 2, 2012

Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Ivie was accidentally shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity when he and another pair of agents checked on a ground sensor that had been set off near Bisbee, Arizona, at approximately 1:30 am. The agents encountered each other in an area of extremely rocky terrain. Because of the darkness and obstructions, they were unable to identify each other as agents.

They exchanged gunfire during the encounter and Agent Ivie was killed while one of the other agents was wounded. Agent Ivie had served with the U.S. Border Patrol for four years and was assigned to the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station. He is survived by his wife and children, and his parents.

Date of Birth: September 5, 1968
Entered on Duty: December 12, 2002
Title: Border Patrol Agent
Departed: November 2, 2012

 On November 2, 2012, Border Patrol Agent David R. Delaney of the Big Bend Sector died in the line of duty when he collapsed while patrolling on foot near the Big Bend National Park in Texas.

DOB:–
Entered:February 11, 2008
Departed:August 03, 2014
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On Sunday, August 3, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was shot and killed near Santa Monica, Texas, as he attempted to take a law enforcement action during a robbery while he was fishing with his wife, children, and parents. Two illegal aliens approached them and attempted to rob them. Agent Vega was shot in the chest when he attempted to draw his weapon. His father was also shot and wounded as he returned fire at the men.Both men fled the scene but were arrested a short time later.

They were charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and other crimes. It is believed the same subjects had committed numerous similar robberies at the direction of a Mexican cartel. Both men had been previously deported numerous times.On September 20, 2016, it was determined that, in light of information identified during the intensive investigation completed by the Willacy County Sheriff’s Department, Agent Vega’s actions were indicative of his law enforcement training and that he instinctively reacted, placing himself in harm’s way to stop a criminal act and protect the lives of others.

His death was re-determined to have been in the line of duty. Agent Vega, who was 36 years old, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 11, 2008, as a member of Academy Class 745. Agent Vega was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for six years. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, and brother.

DOB:May 1, 1980
Entered:September 8, 2011
Departed:September 12, 2014
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On September 12, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Tyler R. Robledo was involved in a two-vehicle accident near Carrizo Springs, Texas. Agent Robledo died of his injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle also died. Agent Robledo was 34 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind his wife and two children. Agent Robledo entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 8, 2011, as a member of the 988th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was stationed at the Carrizo Springs Station at the time of his death.

They were charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and other crimes. It is believed the same subjects had committed numerous similar robberies at the direction of a Mexican cartel. Both men had been previously deported numerous times.On September 20, 2016, it was determined that, in light of information identified during the intensive investigation completed by the Willacy County Sheriff’s Department, Agent Vega’s actions were indicative of his law enforcement training and that he instinctively reacted, placing himself in harm’s way to stop a criminal act and protect the lives of others.

His death was re-determined to have been in the line of duty.Agent Vega, who was 36 years old, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 11, 2008, as a member of Academy Class 745. Agent Vega was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for six years. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, and brother.

DOB:–
Entered:July 13, 2003
End of Watch:August 11, 2016
Position:Border Patrol Agent

 On Thursday, August 11, 2016, Border Patrol Agent Manuel A. Alvarez was killed in the line of duty near Casa Grande, Arizona. Agent Alvarez was involved in a vehicle accident and died at the scene. He was 37 years old and assigned to the Casa Grande Station.Agent Alvarez entered on duty July 13, 2003, as a member of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Class 557.He is survived by his wife; his four children; his parents; and his two sisters.

DOB:–
Entered:February 12, 1996
End of Watch:November 16, 2016
Position:Border Patrol Agent

On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, Agent Gomez suffered a heart attack while on bicycle patrol duty near El Paso. Texas. He subsequently passed away at a local hospital on Wednesday, November 16. Border Patrol Agent Gomez was assigned to the El Paso Station of the El Paso Sector. He entered on duty on February 12, 1996 as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 299. He is survived by his wife; his three children; and his parents.

DOB:January 15, 1981
Entered:August 12, 2013
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch:November 19, 2017

On November 18, 2017, Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez was patrolling along Interstate 10 in a remote area outside of Van Horn, Texas, when fellow agents were alerted that he and another agent were in distress. When fellowagents located Agent Martinez, he was unresponsive and severely injured.

Agent Martinez was taken to the local hospital in Van Horn and later transported to amedical center in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 19, 2017. The circumstances surrounding the death of Agent Martinez are still being investigated. Agent Martinez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on August 12, 2013, as a member of the 1018th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and he was assigned to the Van Horn Station in the Big Bend Sector. Agent Martinez served with the United States Border Patrol for over 4 years.

Entered: November 3, 2003
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: Febuary 2, 2019

On February 2, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Donna M. Doss responded to a request for assistance from a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper regarding a suspected illegal alien. After affecting the arrest of the subject at mile marker 276 on Interstate 20 near Tye, Texas, Agent Doss was struck by a passing vehicle. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Agent Doss entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on November 3, 2003, graduated as a member of the 584th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and was subsequently assigned to the Brackettville Station in Del Rio Sector. On March 6, 2017, Agent Doss transferred to Abilene, Texas, as a Resident Agent responsible for enforcement operations in eight Texas counties.  Agent Doss served with the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years.

Entered: January 27, 2003
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: December 23, 2019

On December 23, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Luis O. Peña Jr. succumbed to complications related to significant injuries he received from a vehicle accident (roll over) on the Tohono O’odham Nation on October 18, 2007.  BPA Peña was medically retired on October 8, 2010.

Agent Peña entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on January 27, 2003, as a member of the 538th session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was assigned to the Casa Grande Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector following his graduation.  Agent Peña served with the United States Border Patrol for over seven years.

Entered: July 8, 2019
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: June 12, 2020

On the night of June 11, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Mordan was patrolling on foot in a remote area in the boot heel of New Mexico in the El Paso Sector.  Agent Mordan’s partner lost radio contact with him.  The Agent located him a short time later and found him unresponsive and without a pulse.   

His fellow agents worked to save his life for well over an hour before EMS arrived. Agent Mordan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. There was no evidence to indicate foul play and his death appears to be the result of heat related illness.

Agent Mordan entered on duty on July 8, 2019 as part of the 1127th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Entered: January 27, 2003
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: December 23, 2019

On December 23, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Luis O. Peña Jr. succumbed to complications related to significant injuries he received from a vehicle accident (roll over) on the Tohono O’odham Nation on October 18, 2007.  BPA Peña was medically retired on October 8, 2010.

Agent Peña entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on January 27, 2003, as a member of the 538th session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was assigned to the Casa Grande Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector following his graduation.  Agent Peña served with the United States Border Patrol for over seven years.

Entered: July 8, 2019
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: June 12, 2020

Border Patrol Agent Marcos A. Gonzales passed away on August 5, 2020. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that his death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Agular will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

BPA Gonzales entered on duty on November 14, 2005, as part of the 606th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served as an agent at the Brackettville, Texas Station throughout his career. During his tenure, Agent Gonzales also served his fellow agents as a union representative.

Prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent, Agent Gonzales honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife, Maria, three children and his parents.

Entered: July 6, 1997
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 12, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins passed away on April 12, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Simpkins will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Simpkins entered on duty on July 6, 1997 at the Falfurrias Station, McAllen Sector, Texas, as part of the 342nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Lake Charles Station in the New Orleans Sector.

A native of Selma, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Agent Simpkins also honorably served his country in the National Guard as a military police officer. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and two brothers.

Entered: June 16, 2002
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 8, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Freddie Vasquez passed away on May 8, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Vasquez will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Vasquez entered on duty on June 16, 2002, as part of the 515th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served in the Border Patrol for nearly 19 years and for the last three years of his career he served as a USBP Canine Handler. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the El Paso Station, El Paso Sector, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, both parents and two brothers.

Entered: July 3, 2006
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 31, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano passed away on July 31, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Acosta-Feliciano will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Acosta-Feliciano entered on duty on July 3, 2006, as part of the 626th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Deming Station in the El Paso Sector. Prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent, Agent Acosta-Feliciano served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs where he did a tour in Afghanistan in 2004.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons, his father and five siblings.

Entered: July 28, 1997
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 31, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Daniel P. Cox passed away on July 31, 2021 after being involved in a head-on vehicle accident on State Route 86 near Three Points, Arizona.

Agent Cox entered on duty on July 28, 1997, at the Eagle Pass Station in Del Rio Sector as part of the 346th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the BORSTAR unit in Tucson Sector as a Canine Handler and Canine Instructor. Prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent, Agent Cox honorably served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1998.

He is survived by his two daughters, his father and two brothers.

Entered: February 7, 1997
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: August 29, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Chad E. McBroom passed away on August 29, 2021 . The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent McBroom will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent McBroom entered on duty on February 7, 1997, as part of the 329th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Tucson Sector Special Operations Detachment in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, three children and his parents.

Entered: September 17, 2001
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 23, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Luis “Louie” H. Dominguez passed away on September 23, 2021 . The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Dominguez will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Dominguez entered on duty on September 17, 2001, as part of the 485th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Wellton Station in Yuma Sector, Arizona. Agent Dominguez, a Yuma native, was an active member of his church and volunteered regularly. He is survived by his wife, four children, three siblings and his parents.

Entered: February 7, 1997
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: August 29, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Alfred M. Ibarra passed away on September 27, 2021 . The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Ibarra will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Ibarra entered on duty on February 9, 2011, as part of the 963rd Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, three children and his mother.

Entered: September 16, 2002
Title: Supervisory Patrol Agent
End of Watch: October 24, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Rafael G. Sanchez passed away on October 24, 2021 . The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Sanchez will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Sanchez entered on duty on September 16, 2002, as part of the 527th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was assigned to the Hebbronville Station in Laredo Sector, Texas at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother, and three grandchildren.

Entered: April 28, 2003
Title: Supervisory Patrol Agent
End of Watch: November 29, 2021

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Martin Barrios passed away on November 29, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Barrios will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

SBPA Barrios entered on duty on April 28, 2003, as part of the 548th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was assigned to the Brian A. Terry Station in Tucson Sector at the time of his passing. Prior to joining the United States Border Patrol, SBPA Barrios served his country in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1995. He is survived by his wife, two children and two siblings.

Entered: June 24, 2002
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: November 30, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez Jr. passed away on November 30, 2021 . The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Martinez will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.

Agent Martinez entered on duty on June 24, 2002, as part of the 516th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, He was assigned to the El Paso, Texas Station in the El Paso Sector. Agent Martinez and had previously served in the Alamogordo, New Mexico Station in the El Paso Sector. Agent Martinez is survived by his wife, one daughter, his father and two siblings.

Entered: August 1st, 2011
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: December 7th, 2022

Border Patrol Agent Raul H. Gonzalez Jr. passed away on December 7, 2022, due to injuries sustained while on ATV patrol near McAllen, TX. Agent Gonzalez entered on duty on Aug. 1, 2011, as part of the 980th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the McAllen Station in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas. He was survived by his parents, a brother, and two children.