On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I rise to express my deepest sorrow about a tragic attack on American law enforcement that happened earlier this week in Mexico. On Tuesday afternoon, two agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were attacked by unknown individuals while driving between Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico. Today, I honor the incredible sacrifice of Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata, who lost his life in service of our country, and Special Agent Victor Avila, who is recovering from injuries from the shooting. Special Agent Zapata joined ICE in 2006. He joined one of ICE's offices in Laredo, TX, where he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit, as well as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force. He was most recently detailed to ICE's Attache office in Mexico City. He began his Federal law enforcement career with the Department of Homeland Security as a member of the U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, AZ. A native of Brownsville, TX, Special Agent Zapata graduated from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2005 with a bachelor of science in criminal justice. My thoughts and prayers are with Special Agent Avila as he recovers. These two brave agents gave their all to shield others from harm. They worked tirelessly against dangerous criminal elements. They bravely took dangerous assignments, ultimately making a profound sacrifice.
