Monday, January 21, 2008

Border Patrol agent killed near Mexico

A U.S. Border Patrol officer was struck and killed by a car driven by a “suspected smuggler” according to authorities. Senior Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar died as he set up spike strips to stop the vehicle that was trying to return to Mexico after having illegally crossed the border in the U.S.

The incident- which happened on Saturday- reflects the increasing tensions around the U.S.-Mexico border. Controversy has been raised over the use of pepper spray and other chemical weapons by Border Patrol agents, for instance. Nevertheless, Aguilar’s death has lead to increased vigilance on both sides of the border:

"I am outraged by this tragic loss," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Saturday. "I have spoken to the Mexican ambassador, who gives me both his condolences and deep assurance that their government will be resolute in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to swift justice."

Federal, state and local authorities are working with Mexican police and military authorities to apprehend the suspected killers, he said.

Image- 10news.com

Sources- Los Angeles Times, CNN, the Latin Americanist, SignOnSanDiego.com, CBS News


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

it sucks! border should be re-enforced with more vigilance I wish mexican government do something about they should put vigilance on the mexican side but i think it is not going to happen because it is part of their bussines too help the narcos