FATAL ENCOUNTERS WITH CBP SINCE 2010
Updated June 11, 2021
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which includes the Border Patrol, is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. CBP’s lack of accountability and oversight paired with its culture of violence has resulted in the loss of lives of U.S. citizens and noncitizens. No agent in the 90 year history of the agency has been successfully convicted of a killing while on duty.
SBCC has tracked these deaths based on media coverage and press releases from CBP at the time of these incidents. Since January 2010, at least 130 people have died as the result of an encounter with a CBP agent. Many more have been brutalized, in some cases causing life-altering injuries. These deaths are an undercount. According to a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office, CBP does not have reliable information on deaths and has not consistently reported death-related information to Congress.
According to SBCC's analysis, 55 of these deaths were caused by an on-duty CBP agent’s use of force including a fatal shooting, asphyxiation, a Taster, beating or a chemical agent. Another 39 deaths were due to vehicle collisions involving Border Patrol, the majority (33) of which occurred during high-speed car chases initiated by Border Patrol. In addition, 22 of the deaths were related to failure to provide adequate medical attention or medical emergencies, either while individuals were in CBP custody or directly after an encounter with agents. 11 deaths were homicides carried out by off-duty officers and in these cases, agents were often charged, convicted and sentenced to prison time. Four were due to unknown or other causes, including 2 cases of alleged suicide and 2 drownings.
For additional information about these encounters and data visualizations, please visit the Abuse of Power and Its Consequences page of Border Lens.
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2021
16 deaths
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133. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical emergency
Incident Date: June 24, 2021
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
On June 23, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station spotted a group of suspected undocumented migrants near Palominas, AZ. The responding BPAs encountered a distressed male citizen of Mexico, who appeared to be suffering from heat related illness. BPAs called for immediate EMS assistance and attempted to stabilize the man, who was going in and out of consciousness. A Fry Fire District EMS unit responded and the BPAs on scene carried the man to the waiting ambulance. The man was transported to the Copper Queen Community Hospital in Bisbee, AZ for treatment.
On June 24, the man was transferred to the Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson, AZ by Lifeline air ambulance. He was admitted to and received medical treatment at TMC but tragically succumbed to his ailments the following ay and was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
132. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle Collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2021
Incident Location: San Antonio, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
131. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
130. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
129. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
According to Border Patrol officials, agents tracked and found a group of undocumented migrants about 20 miles northeast of Eagle Pass in the early morning hours of June 23, and approached them as they rested. Members of the group fled and agents pursued them until they heard screams from a man-made lake nearby. Officials said that agents worked in the dark and pulled several people out of the lake safely, but two men identified as Guatemalan citizens drowned. One was given CPR by Border Patrol agents for over 30 minutes before being declared dead, while the other was found deceased in the lake later on.
128. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
According to Border Patrol officials, agents tracked and found a group of undocumented migrants about 20 miles northeast of Eagle Pass in the early morning hours of June 23, and approached them as they rested. Members of the group fled and agents pursued them until they heard screams from a man-made lake nearby. Officials said that agents worked in the dark and pulled several people out of the lake safely, but two men identified as Guatemalan citizens drowned. One was given CPR by Border Patrol agents for over 30 minutes before being declared dead, while the other was found deceased in the lake later on.
127. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 19, 2021
Incident Location: ≈
On June 17, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) observed two suspected undocumented migrants getting into a vehicle along Arizona State Route 85 (SR 85), approximately one and a half miles north of the Lukeville, AZ Port of Entry. Approximately 20 miles north of where the suspected undocumented migrants entered the vehicle, another BPA waiting on SR 85, activated his emergency lights and sirens and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and continued for approximately one mile, where another BPA deployed a vehicle immobilization device (VID) across the roadway. The driver of the suspected smuggling vehicle attempted to avoid running over the VID and subsequently lost control and crashed.
One of the two undocumented migrants in the vehicle, a male citizen of Mexico, was in critical condition and was transported to the Abrazo West Medical Center in Goodyear, AZ where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on June 19, 2021.
This incident is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and reviewed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
126. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Alleged suicide (Other)
Incident Date: June 1, 2021
Incident Location: Sierra Blanca, TX
A person was killed by Border Patrol after failing to yield to agents.
According to a CBP statement:
As a HCSO Deputy Sheriff and BPAs approached the vehicle, they heard a gunshot. After approximately one hour, HCSO Deputies, BPAs and TX Department of Public Safety State Troopers approached the vehicle and discovered the driver with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Hudspeth County, TX, Justice of the Peace later pronounced the driver, a nineteen year old U.S. Citizen, deceased.
125. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Bee attack (Medical)
Incident Date: June 1, 2021
Incident Location: San Antonio, TX
On May 25, Border Patrol agents near Carrizo Springs, Texas, responded to a 911 call from an individual who stated that she and another individual had been attacked by bees. The agents located the two individuals, one of whom, a male Mexican citizen, was unresponsive. The man was transported to the Dimmit County Medical Center, and subsequently to the San Antonio Methodist Hospital. On May 26, the man was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
124. Silvestre Vargas Estrada
Age: 26
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 14, 2021
Incident Location: Campo, CA
Border Patrol agents shot and killed a man who was a San Diego resident in a parking lot after following his vehicle in a high-speed chase.
- Border Patrol agents involved in deadly Campo shooting
- Authorities ID San Diego man shot, killed by Border Patrol agents
123. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 29, 2021
Incident Location: Kingsville, TX
A Honduran man who was hidden by grass was hit by a Border Patrol vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Honduran migrant is struck and killed by US Border Patrol vehicle while hiding in tall grass after crossing from Mexico into Texas
- Honduran National Dies of Vehicle Incident Near Kingsville, Texas*
122. Humberto Torres Iracheta
Age: 71
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 24, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Humberto Torres Iracheta was riding his bicycle at 5 am, and was struck by Border Agent Francisco Javier Vallejo in his pickup truck. Vallejo then fled the scene.
121. Unknown
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical distress (Medical)
Incident Date: April 24, 2021
Incident Location: Hebbronville, TX
On April 15, 2021, remote cameras monitored by the Border Patrol, near Hebbronville, TX, captured a Toyota Tacoma containing multiple people laying down in the bed of the vehicle. The initial investigation revealed Border Patrol Agents responded to the area, located the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop. When the vehicle stopped, agents witnessed several occupants flee while one occupant remained inside. Border Patrol agents gave commands to the man to exit the vehicle but he did not respond. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrived and provided assistance to the agents. When the agents approached the Toyota, they found a man in medical distress. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician provided medical care and notified Duval County EMS which transported the man to the Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice, TX, where he was pronounced dead. No other occupants from the vehicle were apprehended. The identity and nationality of the deceased male has not yet been determined. This incident is under review by the Nueces County Medical Examiner and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. The DHS Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
120. Unknown
Age: 29
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: March 28, 2021
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
The 29-year-old man was picked up by Casa Grande Border Patrol agents on March 25, and, according to Border Patrol, showed “signs of medical distress” while at the Tucson Coordination Center. He was pronounced dead two days later.
119. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality:Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: March 28, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
On March 10, 2021, an adult male in United States Border Patrol custody in Eagle Pass, TX, began to exhibit signs of medical distress. Agents called for Emergency Medical Services and rendered aid. Shortly after, the man passed away. The event is being investigated by the Eagle Pass, Texas Police Department and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility.
- Man dies in hospital while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody in Tucson
- Man Dies In Border Patrol Custody In Tucson
118. Diosmani Ramos
Age: 23
Nationality: Cuban
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 29, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Diosmani Ramos was shot by a Border Patrol agent sometime around 7:38 am, about a mile away from the Hidalgo port of entry. Diosmani was holding a stone, and the Border Patrol agent shot him in the chest when he refused to drop it. Diosmani was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9 am.
- US Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Crossing Border Into Texas
- US Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Crossing Border
- Man killed after threatening agent with rock, source says
- "Fue un asesinato": pareja del joven cubano baleado en la frontera por un agente de la patrulla fronteriza de EEUU
2020
17 deaths
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117. Benjamin Marley Manley
Age: 36
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: December 16, 2020
Incident Location: Truth and Consequences, NM
A man was killed during a car chase in which he allegedly shot at Border Patrol agents, who returned fire. While initially CBP reported that the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, later reports indicate that it is unclear whether the man died as a result of the exchange of fire, or from a self-inflicted wound.
- Man who died after shootout with NM border agents was wanted for attempted murder in IowaMan dies after being struck by Calexico Border Patrol vehicle
- Fugitive wanted for attempted murder in Council Bluffs dies after shootout with U.S. Border Patrol
116. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: November 6, 2020
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was killed after being run over by a Border Patrol vehicle. Officials said the Border Patrol agent was responding to a report of an unauthorized entry into the US from Mexico, and he was unable to avoid driving over the man, who was lying in the road. The man was transported to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center in Palm Springs, where he died.
115. David Angel Villalobos-Baldovinos
Age: 30
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 23, 2020
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
David, a long-time California resident, was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent when attempting to enter the U.S.
- One Dead in Shooting Involving Border Patrol Near Las Americas Premium Outlets
- Family of Man Killed By Border Patrol Agent Says Non-Lethal Force Could've Saved His Life
- Authorities ID Border Patrol agent who shot, killed man in San Ysidro
114. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 23, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
A driver allegedly transporting undocumented people was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents.
113. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 21, 2020
Incident Location: Nogales, AZ
A man was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after he wounded the agent with a knife.
- Border Patrol agent stabbed near Nogales; suspect fatally shot
- Border Patrol: Agent fatally shot suspect who attacked him with knife
112. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: July 26, 2020
Incident Location: Del Rio, TX
Border Patrol agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop and the driver attempted to elude agents by fleeing at an accelerated speed. Agents ultimately lost sight of the vehicle and it was located a short time later where it had rolled over. Agents arrived on scene and discovered several injured persons. Two people, believed to be undocumented immigrants, were killed in the crash.
- Kinney County deputies, Border Patrol searching for driver responsible for fatal rollover crash
- CBP Statement On Accident With Fatalities
111. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: July 26, 2020
Incident Location: Del Rio, TX
Border Patrol agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop and the driver then attempted to elude agents by fleeing at a high rate of speed. Agents ultimately lost sight of the vehicle and it was located a short time later where it had rolled over. Agents arrived on scene and discovered several injured persons. Two people who are believed to be undocumented immigrants were killed in the crash.
- Kinney County deputies, Border Patrol searching for driver responsible for fatal rollover crash
- CBP Statement On Accident With Fatalities
110. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: July 9, 2020
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was shot and killed by CBP officers after approaching an officer and a security guard with a knife.
109. Name Withheld
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: July 6, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
Border Patrol agents responded to a call of a man in distress on a remote ranch. The man was taken to a hospital, where he passed away.
108. Name Withheld
Age: 19
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. This person was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
107. Santos Porfirio-Garcia
Age: 32
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Santos Porfirio-Garcia was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
106. Yadira Barrera
Age: 16
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Yadira Barrera was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
105. Liliana Jimenez
Age: 16
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Liliana Jimenez was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
104. Elvira Tot-Chiroy
Age: 19
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Elvira Tot-Chiroy was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
103. Oscar Miguel Garcia-Bran
Age: 21
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Oscar Miguel Garcia-Bran was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
102. Gustavo Cervantes
Age: 18
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Gustavo Cervantes was the driver of the pickup and died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
101. James Paul Markowitz
Age: 32
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February 4, 2020
Incident Location: Bracketville, Texas
James Paul Markowitz was apprehended surrounding an "illegal smuggling incident" on February 4, 2020. Markowitz began exhibiting "signs of distress" that evening, and was administered first aid, then transferred to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
2019
17 deaths
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100. Name Withheld
Age: 41
Nationality: Congolese
Cause of Death: Acute Kidney Failure (Medical)
Incident Date: December 25, 2019
Incident Location: Lincoln Juarez Bridge, Laredo, Texas
A female migrant seeking asylum in the United States died on Christmas Day in government custody when she crossed the Gateway Bridge in Texas with her family, before reportedly succumbing to acute kidney failure. She came with paperwork that documented a “previous medical condition”, CBP said. The agency's medical personnel cleared her to be detained overnight. She was traveling with her husband and two children, who were subsequently released.
- Congolese woman dies in US custody after crossing border into Texas
- Statement on Death of Congolese National in Laredo
- Congolese migrant dies after night in CBP facility
99. Name Withheld
Age: 42
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Alleged suicide
Incident Date: December 21, 2019
Incident Location: East Hidalgo Detention Center
On December 20, CBP officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry detained a male 42-year-old Mexican national who claimed to be a US Citizen. He was arrested and processed for Expedited Removal and was held for criminal prosecution. The individual passed away at the East Hidalgo Detention Center on Dec. 21, 2019. According to initial reports, the cause of death is suspected to be the result of suicide. The incident remains under investigation by La Villa Police Department, and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
- CBP Statement on Death in Custody
- CBP Investigating Possible Suicide of Mexican National at Jail in Hidalgo County
98. Name Withheld
Age: Not released
Nationality: Not released
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 3, 2019
Incident Location: Sunland Park, New Mexico as suburb of El Paso, Texas
A Border Patrol agent approached a group of four people early Monday, and one of them pulled out a gun and started shooting, according to a statement from CBP. The agent fired back, hitting the man, who died at a hospital. No additional information was released, including the names of the agent and gunman. The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating.
- Border Patrol agent fatally shoots gunman who opened fire
- Border Patrol Agent Kills Gunman Who Reportedly Opened Fire Near U.S.-Mexico Border
97. Name Withheld
Age: 33
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Severe dehydration (Medical)
Incident Date: October 26, 2019
Incident Location: Tubac, Arizona
A woman died in Border Patrol custody, following nearly two weeks in the hospital. The woman was in need of medical care when an Arizona sheriff's deputy found her on October 13 near Tubac, about 40 kilometers north of the border city of Nogales. She was suffering from "severe dehydration."
- Hospitalized Woman Dies in US Border Patrol Custody
- Mexican woman dies while in Border Patrol custody
96. Name Unknown
Age: Unkown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: Some time around October 21, 2019
Incident Location: Texas highway
The man fled from agents across a Texas highway and was hit by a car. No more details can be found at the moment.
95. Name Withheld
Age: 49
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: October 21, 2019
Incident Location: Tucson, Arizona (South of Casa Grande)
On October 20, at 1 pm, a Mexican man was apprehended by Border Patrol agents, south of Casa Grande. During processing it was determined the man needed medical attention and was transported to a Tucson area hospital. Medical officials determined that the man had a pre-existing heart condition. The next day, at approximately 9 am, the man was pronounced deceased.
- CBP Statement on Death in Custody
- Mexican man dies at Tucson hospital while in Border Patrol custody
- Mexican migrant in Border Patrol custody dies at Arizona hospital
94. Name Withheld
Age: 32
Nationality: Salvadoran
Cause of Death: unknown
Incident Date: August 1, 2019
Incident Location: Lordsburg, New Mexico
A man died while in Border Patrol custody. According to reports, he was taken into custody at the El Paso Border Patrol Station and was being processed at the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station when he fell into medical distress and later died.
93. Name Withheld
Age: 52
Nationality: Nicaraguan
Cause of Death: unknown
Incident Date: July 5, 2019
Incident Location: Tucson, Arizona
A man died while in Border Patrol custody. According to reports, he was part of a group of 36 asylum-seekers who turned themselves in to be processed.
- 52-year-old migrant dies in U.S. custody
- Nicaraguan Man Dies While In Border Patrol Custody In Arizona
92. Travis James Eckstein
Age: 23
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, California
CBP officers fatally shot a man during a shootout that occurred at secondary inspection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
- 23-year-old American dies after shootout with border patrol agents at port of entry near San Diego
- Border Officers Kill 23-Year-Old U.S. Citizen During Shootout at San Ysidro Port of Entry
91. Name Not Yet Released
Age: 40
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
A woman was apprehended at the border by CBP, when she collapsed shortly after. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
- Third undocumented migrant in 3 days dies after being apprehended at US-Mexico border
- Honduran woman becomes third undocumented migrant to die in 3 days after being apprehended at U.S.-Mexico border
90. Name Not Yet Released
Age: 33
Nationality: Salvadoran
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: Roma, Texas
A man was apprehended by CBP, and began having a seizure. He was given emergency care by an EMT-certified CBP agent, and taken to a hospital, where he died.
- CBP confirms death of El Salvadorian man seeking asylum
- Third undocumented migrant in 3 days dies after being apprehended at US-Mexico border
89. Carlos Hernandez Vásquez
Age: 16
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Influenza A (Medical)
Incident Date: May 20, 2019
Incident Location: Welasco, Texas
A boy who was apprehended on May 13, was found unresponsive by CBP during a welfare check at the Weslaco Station, where he ultimately died.
- 16-year-old migrant boy dies in U.S. custody, 5th child to die since December
- Guatemalan teen boy is latest migrant child to die in U.S. custody
- Inside the Cell Where a Sick 16-Year-Old Boy Died in Border Patrol Care
88. Wilmer Josué Ramírez Vásquez
Age: 2
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Pneumonia (Medical)
Incident Date: May 14, 2019
Incident Location: El Paso,Texas
The toddler's mother asked for medical assistance for him after noticing he was ill on April 6, 2019, then transferred to Providence Children's Hospital in El Paso the Next day, where he remained until he died.
87. Name not released
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death:Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 6, 2019
Incident Location: New Mexico
The unnamed person was ejected from a vehicle after El Paso Border Patrol chased the car on Highway 9 in New Mexico. The Border Patrol agents deployed a tire deflation device, which the vehicle swerved to avoid, causing it to roll over, eject people from the vehicle and fatally wound two people.
86. Name not released
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 6, 2019
Incident Location: New Mexico
The unnamed person was ejected from a vehicle after El Paso Border Patrol chased the car on Highway 9 in New Mexico. The Border Patrol agents deployed a tire deflation device, which the vehicle swerved to avoid, causing it to roll over, eject people from the vehicle and fatally wound two people.
85. Name not released
Age: 40
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: March 18, 2019
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
This person was apprehended on March 18 and died the next day at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, after being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure and renal failure.
- A 40-Year-Old Mexican Immigrant Died In US Custody — The Fourth Death In Recent Months
- Immigrant dies in Border Patrol custody, 4th death in recent months
84. Name not released
Age: 45
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February 19, 2019
Incident Location: McAllen, Texas
The man was in Border Patrol custody since February 2. He requested medical attention after he was found near a port of entry. He was seen at a Mission medical center, cleared for travel, and returned to Border Patrol custody. While in custody, he again requested medical attention, and was under medical care in McAllen until he died. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and congestive heart failure, but the official cause of death is unknown.
2018
9 deaths
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83. Felipe Alonzo-Gomez
Age: 8
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Influenza B (Medical)
Incident Date: December 24, 2018
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
After being in Border Patrol custody for almost a week, Felipe fell ill, was taken to the hospital, misdiagnosed with a cold, and sent back to CBP custody. Felipe began vomiting and was taken back to the hospital, where he died before midnight.
82. Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin
Age: 7
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest caused by severe dehydration and shock (Medical)
Incident Date: December 8, 2018
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
Jakelin died in Border Patrol custody after being detained with her father and others in the New Mexico desert.
81. Janelle Ortiz (aka Nikki Enriquez)
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 14, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent, Juan David Ortiz, was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people, including trans woman Janelle, after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
80. Guiselda Hernandez
Age: 25
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 14, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
79. Claudine Ann Luera
Age: 42
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 13, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer. A supervisory US Border Patrol agent who authorities are calling a serial killer was arrested on September 15, 2018, in the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- The Hunt for the Serial Killer of Laredo
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
78. Melissa Ramirez
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 3, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer. A supervisory US Border Patrol agent who authorities are calling a serial killer was arrested on September 15, 2018, in the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
77. Claudia Patricia Gomez Gonzalez
Age: 20
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 23, 2018
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
A Border Patrol agent shot and killed Claudia after a group had attempted to cross the Texas border irregularly and allegedly rushed the agent, according to Customs and Border Protection. Customs and Border Protection has previously changed the retelling of the event from a rocking incident to a group rushing the agents. The FBI is launching an investigation.
76. Robert Young III
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicie)
Incident Date: February 12, 2018
Incident Location: Pinecrest, FL
A burglar busted through the glass doors of a house in the upscale village of Pinecrest early Monday morning, only to face a deadly barrage of bullets from the homeowner — a high-ranking Miami federal agent.
75. Juan Daniel Jacques
Age: 33
Nationality: N/A
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicie)
Incident Date: January 2018
Incident Location: Socorro, TX
According to new reports, Juan Daniel Jacques attacked an off-duty Border Patrol agent so the agent fired his duty weapon.
2017
9 deaths
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74. Rolando Chávez Chávez
Age: 26
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 29, 2017
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to Border Patrol, Chávez attacked an agent while being taken into custody and a struggle ensued where Chávez grabbed the agent’s gun. A second officer fired at Chavez during the struggle.
73. Rodolfo Ballardo
Age: 31
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 2017
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to authorities, Ballardo shot an Arizona State Trooper and fled the scene. Border Patrol found the car Ballardo had taken off in and an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in his death.
72. Unknown
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: September 17, 2017
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
According to news reports, a man was hit by a car after fleeing from a van that was crossing into the U.S.
- Two killed after attempt to cross U.S.-Mexico border, authorities say
- Fatal Port Runner Attempt at San Ysidro
71. Unknown
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: September 17, 2017
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
According to news reports, a woman was hit by a car after fleeing from a van that was crossing into the U.S.
- Two killed after attempt to cross U.S.-Mexico border, authorities say
- Fatal Port Runner Attempt at San Ysidro
70. Isarel Caballero
Age: 18
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
69. Gloria Lopez
Age: 15
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
68. Raul Quiroz
Age: 20
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
67. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: February 23, 2017
Incident Location: Lordsburg, NM
According to news reports, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Paso sector were involved in a chase that led to the crash.
66. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: February 23, 2017
Incident Location: Lordsburg, NM
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents from the El Paso sector were involved in a chase that led to the crash and the death of two individuals.
2016
7 deaths
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65. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Uknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting
Incident Date: July 15, 2016
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
According to CBP, agents subdued a male in Laredo, TX near the river. While escorting the man to the vehicle, the man became unresponsive. Laredo Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
64. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 9, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
According to the Yuma Sector Border Patrol Public Affairs Office, a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a suspected undocumented individual during a struggle.
63. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: May 22, 2016
Incident Location: Near Laredo, TX
One person died and 10 others were injured north of Laredo in a chase that ended in a crash.
62. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: March 23, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
Individuals fleeing in a vehicle from CBP collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 8, killing two and injuring four individuals.
61. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: March 23, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
Individuals fleeing in a vehicle from CBP collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 8, killing two and injuring four individuals.
60. Hector Leroy
Age: 43
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: February 4, 2016
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
According to CBP, at approximately 5:45 pm, three Border Patrol agents were on patrol in the downtown area, near the Greyhound Bus Station. The agents heard the sound of gunshots and immediately responded. Agents observed a wounded person lying on the ground and a man fleeing the scene on foot between Overland and El Paso streets.
The three agents pursued the subject who approached a pickup truck and pointed a gun at the driver in an attempt to carjack the vehicle. Agents drew their service-issued firearms and ordered the subject to drop the weapon. The man turned and pointed his gun at one of the agents. Another agent then discharged his firearm and the man fell to the ground.
59. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: January 31, 2016
Incident Location: Northwest Laredo, Texas
This person died as a result of being thrown from a minivan during a chase with Border Patrol agents. Four other passengers were taken to Doctors Hospital.
2015
9 deaths
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58. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 21, 2015
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning after allegedly attacking customs officers with a knife at the Calexico West Port of Entry.
57. Rayshaun Cole
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: October 17, 2015
Incident Location: Chula Vista, CA
An off-duty CBP officer fatally shot her boyfriend in their Chula Vista apartment Saturday, telling police that it was in self-defense as he was hitting her, authorities said.
56. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 23, 2015
Incident Location: Drummond Island, MI
Michigan State Troopers were searching for a missing person alert on Drummond Island, MI and requested assistance from Border Patrol Agents. Border Patrol Agents entered a dwelling where shots were fired and they killed a civilian.
55. Richard Matt
Age: 49
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 26, 2015
Incident Location: New York
54. Graciela Lopez Franco
Age: 32
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Drowning (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 18, 2015
Incident Location: Off the coast of Encinitas, CA
According to a filed complaint, 20 people were onboard a panga a few minutes after midnight on June 18, 2015, seven miles off the coast of Encinitas when Border Patrol officers spotted the low-riding boat. Supervisor Hunter, Linscott, and Jenkins, riding in a 38-foot M901 patrol vessel, approached the panga. Once within range, the officers failed to use their intercom or lights on their vessel and instead, read the complaint, and ran straight toward the panga. The officers then directed a “flash-bang” explosion at the immigrants’ vessel. Officer Linscott fired several shots from his gun into the outboard motor, disabling it. The officers then rammed their boat into the panga, splitting it into several pieces.
- Suit alleges brutish Border Patrol behavior at sea
- CBP Boat Collision with Panga Results in Tragic Death of a Woman Passenger
53. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Colombian
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 17, 2015
Incident Location: British Virgin Islands
52. Jamison E. Childress
Age: 20
Nationality: Canadian
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 19, 2015
Incident Location: Sumas, Washington
Border Patrol agents shot and killed Childress after he set off ground sensors at the U.S.-Canada border crossing near Sumas, Washington.
51. Tiano Meton
Age: 25
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 22, 2015
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
According to CBP, Border Patrol agents shot and killed a man who had driven through a West Texas checkpoint without stopping for an inspection. The shooting happened around 5 pm. Agents pursued the vehicle for 30 miles before it finally stopped. A pistol-shaped pellet gun was recovered from the vehicle.
50. Name Not Released
Age: Not Released
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 21, 2015
Incident Location: Chapeno, TX
According to the CBP statement, on January 21, 2015, at approximately 2 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents from Rio Grande City Station responded to drug smuggling activity near the small community of Chapeño, Texas, west of Roma. As the agents secured the narcotics load, one agent searching the area for smugglers came under fire. The agent returned fire striking [and killing] one subject. The FBI, Starr County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the DPS Texas Rangers are investigating the incident. Rio Grande Valley Sector is fully cooperating with the investigation.
2014
12 deaths
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49. Francisco Manuel Cesena
Age: 40
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: December 24, 2014
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, San Diego
According to San Diego Police and the Medical Examiner’s Office, Francisco Manuel Cesena was crossing into the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, when he was detained by the CBP officials. Cesena allegedly jumped over a counter and attacked an official. He collapsed after the official used a taser on him. He was declared dead at the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. A cause of death has not been determined.
48. Adam Thomas
Age: 27
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: November, 8, 2014
Incident Location: Hemet, CA
An off-duty Border Patrol agent, John Demery, confronted a neighbor and fatally shot him multiple times. A six-year veteran of the Border Patrol assigned to the Murrieta station, Demery was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting.
47. Amaro Lopez
Age: 23
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 24, 2014
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office, Lopez died of a single gunshot to the head. Two BP agents were after several men in the area of West Hermans and South Sandario roads when one of the men tried to shoot one of the agents. One agent fired his weapon in response. The other members of the group ran off.
46. Unknown
Age: 36
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: October 17, 2014
Incident Location: Holding cell in BP checkpoint between Carlsbad, NM, and El Paso, TX
This person died while in Border Patrol custody in Texas. CBP says the man was found unresponsive in a holding cell at a Border Patrol checkpoint between Carlsbad, NM and El Paso, TX.
45. Aide Fink
Age: 50
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: September 25, 2014
Incident Location: Flower Mound, TX (near Dallas)
Police arrested Daniel Fink, a 40-year-old Border Patrol agent, for the murder of his estranged wife while he was off duty. The woman was found with multiple gunshot wounds just after midnight Thursday inside a house on Heather Glen Drive near Glenwick Boulevard. Police say a 16-year-old inside the home called 911. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she died. The woman’s three children, ages 7, 11, and 16, were inside the house at the time of the shooting. Court records show his wife filed for divorce back in August.
44. Unknown
Age: 54
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: September 5, 2014
Incident Location: McAllen Station processing facility, TX
According to news stories, agents find immigrant hanging at McAllen Border Patrol station.
43: Joaquin Tomas Cibrian
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: July 22, 2014
Incident Location: Edinburg, TX
Edinburgh police entered Cibrian's home and a shootout between law enforcement and Cibrian occurred. Edinburgh police called Border Patrol for assistance and Cibrian was killed in the shoot-out.
42. Jose Luis Arambula
Age: 31
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 30, 2014
Incident Location: Green Valley, AZ
Arambula, of Tucson, was shot and killed in Green Valley Friday as he was fleeing Border Patrol agents. One of the agents, Daniel Marquez, fired multiple shots at Arambula, killing him, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The other agent, whose name was not released, did not fire at the suspect. Incident is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department after the FBI declined to investigate.
CBP issued the following statement:
At approximately 2:30 p.m. MST Friday, Border Patrol agents on patrol attempted to conduct a stop on a suspicious vehicle on Interstate 19 (I-19) near Green Valley, Arizona. The vehicle’s driver failed to yield to the agent’s emergency lights and sirens and continued driving. At the intersection of Abrego Drive and Camino Encanto, the driver stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. Agents pursued the driver and during the encounter, an agent discharged his service issued weapon, resulting in the death of the driver. Bundles of marijuana were located in the subject’s vehicle. The Border Patrol is fully cooperating with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office – led investigation.
May 30, 2014 – CBP releases PERF report and new Use of Force Handbook
41. Name Not Released
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: March 10, 2014
Incident Location: Detroit, MI
An off-duty Border Patrol agent from California fatally shot a man in Detroit during a dispute that may have stemmed from a card game. According to news reports, the shooting took place outside a home around 2 a.m. on the city’s east side. Deputy Chief Rodney Johnson says an argument between the agent’s cousin and another man moved outside the home and the other man brandished a gun from inside a vehicle. Johnson says the agent fired several shots at the other man, killing him.
- Police: Off-duty Border Patrol agent kills man. The Washington Times
- Detroit police: off-duty border patrol agent involved in fatal shooting on city’s east side
40. Jesús Flores-Cruz
Age: 41
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: February 18, 2014
Incident Location: Otay Mountains, San Diego
According to San Diego Sheriff’s, two Border Patrol agents split up to cut off a group of three suspected undocumented immigrants. The two agents were out of sight of each other when one of the agents was struck in the face by a rock thrown by one of the suspects. Fearing for his safety, the agent fired his duty pistol at the man, striking him. The agent sustained minor injuries. Mexico condemns the shooting.
CBP issued the following statement:
At 6:30 a.m. PST Tuesday, a Border Patrol agent on patrol on the Otay Mountain in San Diego, Calif., was assaulted by three individuals and struck in the head with a rock. The agent discharged his service-issued weapon, resulting in the death of one individual. The agent apprehended the two other individuals. CBP is fully cooperating with the investigation conducted by the FBI and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
- Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Suspect in Otay Area
- Officials: Agent kills man in rock attack
- Mexico condemns shooting by U.S. border agent
39. Gabriel Sanchez Velazquez
Age: Late 20s
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Jan. 16, 2014
Incident Location: Near Apache and Portal, AZ
Gabriel was part of a group Border Patrol was tracking. Border Patrol agents took two men into custody without incident, but a third fled and was eventually located “hiding under a mesquite bush”. The man reportedly struggled with the agent, attempting to grab the officer’s weapon. “Fearing for his personal safety and potential serious injury, the agent pulled his handgun and fired at the suspect.” The man was struck in the upper body area and “succumbed to his injuries at the scene”. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
38. Keith J. Martin
Age: 35
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: Jan. 2, 2014
Incident Location: Near Hondo, TX
An off-duty Border Patrol agent, Adam S. Garibay, 33, is suspected of killing his wife’s lover, Keith J. Martin, 35. After beating and tying up his wife in Corpus Christi, Garibay drove to Martin’s home on a private road 3 miles north of Hondo, TX, and allegedly shot him to death.
2013
5 deaths
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37. Steven Keith
Age: 58
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: Dec. 25, 2013
Incident Location: Campo Border Patrol Station near San Diego, CA
Keith was arrested Christmas Eve at a border checkpoint on Interstate 8 after Border Patrol agents allegedly discovered drug paraphernalia and trace amounts of methamphetamine inside his vehicle. San Diego Sector Border Patrol officials said he was arrested for illegal possession of drugs and intent to distribute three pounds of marijuana. He was then taken to a holding cell at the Campo Border Patrol station. Six hours after his arrest, he was dead. Border Patrol officials say he became incoherent and unresponsive while in the cell. Border Patrol emergency medics administered CPR to the man and called paramedics.
- San Diego Medical Examiner report released to Al Jazeera
- Border Patrol Criticized After Detainee Death
36. Cruz Marcelino Velazquez
Age: 16
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Drank highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine at the request of CBP (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 18, 2013
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, CA
Velazquez died from drinking a highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine at the San Diego border crossing.
35. Ernesto Gutierrez Cortez
Age: 38
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 19, 2013
Incident Location: Campo, CA
A Border Patrol agent shot at the suspect vehicle when the driver made a U-turn and drove directly at him. Driver sustained non-life threatening injuries.
34. Mathew Simmons
Age: 27
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 21, 2013
Incident Location: Otay Mesa, CA
Border Patrol agents drove up to a car on the side of the road that appeared to have been in an accident. One of the agents checked the car license plate and determined it was a stolen vehicle. Simmons pulled a handgun on the three agents, shooting one of them in the hip. The agents responded with gunfire and killed him.
- CBP Agents Shoot, Kill Carjacking Suspect at Border
- Local Man Killed In South Texas Shootout Identified
33. Name Not Released
Age: 51
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February, 16, 2013
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, CA
A man crossed into the United States in a vehicle with two other US citizen relatives. They were directed to an inspection area and the man was handcuffed and walked into the security area. Once inside, the handcuffs were removed so the man could empty his pockets. As he placed his items on a counter, he collapsed. According to CBP, agents did not use any force on the suspect when taking him into custody or transporting him for processing. The cause of the man’s death is unknown.
2012
17 deaths
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32. Margarito Lopez Morelos
Age: 19
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Dec. 2, 2012
Incident Location: Baboquivari Mountains, AZ
Margarito was shot and killed after a struggle with a Border Patrol agent.
- Border Patrol tight lipped about deadly shooting
- Probe into border shootings draws questions
- Border Patrol Faces Little Accountability
31. José Antonio Elena Rodriguez
Age: 16
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Oct. 10, 2012
Incident Location: Nogales, Sonora
José was shot multiple times in the back and killed after reportedly throwing rocks at Border Patrol agents.
- Border Patrol shooting of Mexican teen draws condemnation
- Mexican teen killed by U.S. border agents was shot SEVEN times in the back after throwing rocks across border
30. Nicholas J. Ivie
Age: 30
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 2, 2012
Location: Near Bisbee, AZ
Nicholas was shot and killed in a friendly fire incident.
29. Valeria Munique Tachiquin-Alvarado
Age: 32
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Sept. 28, 2012
Incident Location: Chula Vista, CA
A plain-clothed Border Patrol agent shot and killed Tachiquin in a residential suburb of San Diego. The agent alleged she had struck him and was carrying him on top of her car prompting him to fire in self defense. Witnesses tell conflicting stories. The Border Patrol agent involved had a very troubling record when he worked as a sheriff’s deputy. The Imperial Valley Sheriff’s Department ultimately issued the agent a notice of termination for “unprofessional conduct, dishonesty, violation of or refusal to obey reasonable regulations, insubordination, violation of rules, incompetence and failure to follow proper procedures for arrest, search and seizure and treatment of persons in custody.”
- 10 News investigative series on agent Justin Tackett
- CBS News Reports on the Killing of Valeria Munique Tachiquin
- Claim filed against Border Patrol in woman’s death
- California Woman Valeria Alvarado Fatally Shot by Border Patrol Agent
28. Guillermo Arévalo Pedroza
Age: 36
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Sept. 3, 2012
Incident Location: Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Guillermo was shot and killed while at a barbeque with his wife and daughters. Border Patrol agents claim they were under attack from rock throwers on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. A video of the shooting didn’t show any rock throwing.
Eyewitness video:
27. Juan Pablo Perez Santillán
Age: 30
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: July 7, 2012
Incident Location: Near Matamoros, Mexico
Juan Pablo was shot and killed while standing on the banks of the Rio Grande. Border Patrol claims Perez Santillán was throwing rocks; witnesses in Mexico say he was unarmed.
- Mexico Accuses Border Patrol of Shooting Underage Mexican
- ‘My brother … he’s dead’: Mourning after border shooting
- Dispara agente de la Patrulla Fronteriza y mata a mexicano
- Condenan muerte de mexicano a manos de agente fronterizo de EE.UU.
- U.S. Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Across border
26. Charles Robinson
Age: 75
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 23, 2012
Incident Location: Jackman, ME
Charles was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents during a confrontation at his residence. He was reportedly intoxicated and believed to be injured.
- Man killed, border agent wounded in Maine shooting
- Report of Attorney General William J. Schneider on the Use of Deadly Force by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Jackman
25. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
24. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
23. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
22. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
21. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
20. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
19. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
18. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
17. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected smuggler.
16. Alexander Arthur Martin
Age: 34
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of death: Death in vehicle explosion (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 15, 2012
Incident Location: Near Campo, CA
Alexander died in a car explosion that may have been caused by Border Patrol tasers. Border Patrol agents chased Martin’s car after he began driving the wrong way down the highway.
- Did border agent’s Taser spark deadly fire?
- Car Explosion Kills 1, Sends 1 BP Agent To Hospital
- Man Killed Near Old Buckman Springs Road ID’d
- Border Explosion Death Investigated as Homicide
2011
9 deaths
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15. Byron Sosa Orellana
Age: 28
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: December 6, 2011
Incident Location: Near Sells, AZ
Byron was shot and killed after allegedly assaulting an agent and police dog.
- Border Patrol agent kills border-crosser in confrontation
- AZ Border agent cleared in fatal shooting
- Man Shot by Border Patrol in Arizona is Identified
14. Gerardo Rico Lozano
Age: 20
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 3, 2011
Incident Location: Near Corpus Christi, TX
Gerardo was shot and killed after allegedly driving towards Border Patrol agents who pulled over his vehicle.
13. Omar Olivares
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: Sept. 15, 2011
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
An off-duty agent got into a shootout with his wife’s cousin, who was killed at the scene. The Border Patrol agent died later at the Ft. Duncan Medical Center. It is unknown how the shooting started. According to EPPD approx. 36-38 rounds were shot by both individuals. Olivares was shot approximately four times by the agent and the agent was shot seven times.
12. Jose Alfredo Yañez Reyes
Age: 40
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 21, 2011
Incident Location: Tijuana, Mexico
José Alfredo was shot and killed while suspected of attempting to cross the border irregularly. Agents claim suspected border crossers were throwing rocks; it’s unclear if he was involved in the rock throwing.
- Agent’s shot kills rock thrower at border fence
- Border shooting reignites use of force debate
- Incident that ended with agent fatally shooting man restarts debate about patrol’s response to ‘rocking’
- Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting at the Border
- ACLU Calls for Probe in Border Shooting
11. Amado Rodriguez
Age: 46
Nationality: Unknown, born in Sinaloa, Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: April 18, 2011
Incident Location: Fabens, TX
The Fabens Border Patrol Station was contacted by the El Paso Sheriff’s Office to provide backup for El Paso Sheriff’s deputies on scene. The El Paso Sheriff’s Office SWAT team also arrived on the scene. The El Paso Sheriff’s Department has conducted several investigations into the shooting, including an Internal Affairs investigation. The results of the investigations have not been released, but family members claimed in a new story that Rodriguez, who has been in a wheelchair since age 17, was improperly shot by law enforcement agents responding to the scene.
10. Carlos Lamadrid
Age: 19
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 21, 2011
Incident Location: Douglas, AZ
Carlos was shot 3 times in the back and killed by a Border Patrol agent while fleeing across the border into Mexico, reportedly transporting marijuana. The agent was allegedly under attack by an individual throwing rocks when he fired.
- Border agent shoots, kills man in Douglas
- Carlos Lamadrid’s Mother, 19-Year-Old Killed By Border Patrol, Sues
- Federal Officials Close the Investigation into the Death of Carlos LaMadrid
- LaMadrid shot three times in back
- CASE closed by DOJ: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/August/13-crt-907.html
- Judge: Shooting near Douglas by Border Patrol Justified
9. Alex Martinez
Age: 30
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Feb. 27, 2011
Incident Location: Whatcom County, WA
Alex was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents while allegedly swinging a hammer and smashing windows in his mobile home. Martinez had a history of mental problems.His brother says Martinez complied with commands to step out of the house. What officers believed to be a gun in his possession was in fact a flashlight.
- Deputy-Border Agent Shoots Man
- Border Patrol Kill Man Attacking a Deputy with a Hammer in Washington State
- Man killed in Whatcom County deputy-involved shooting
8. Roberto Pérez Pérez
Age: 63
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Lack of medical care after being beaten (Medical)
Incident Date: January 13, 2011
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
Roberto was beaten while in detention for trying to re-enter the U.S. and died due to lack of proper medical care.
7. Ramses Barron Torres
Age: 17
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Jan. 5, 2011
Incident Location: Nogales, Mexico
Ramses was shot and killed after allegedly throwing rocks at Border Patrol agents. Witnesses deny he threw rocks. DOJ stated in their press release closing their investigation that they reviewed surveillance videos, but videos have not been released publicly.
- More accounts emerge following deadly border shooting
- Border shooting now a federal case in Mexico
- One year later, deadly shooting still under federal investigation
- Federal Officials Close the Investigation into the Death of Ramses Barron-Torres
- Mexico official: Teen was fatally shot at border
- CASE closed by DOJ: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/August/13-crt-908.html
2010
6 deaths
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6. Juan Mendez, Jr.
Age: 18
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Oct. 5, 2010
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
Juan was shot in the back twice and killed by a Border Patrol agent after being involved in a car chase. Mendez was stopped by the officer for driving with a “suspicious load” and took off running; he briefly struggled with the agent before the shooting.
- Deputy: Border agent kills unarmed suspect
- Interview with Juan Mendez Sr.
- OIG report – page 23 ()
- Unarmed Suspect Shot in Eagle Pass
- 18 year old Eagle Passan shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol
5. Sergio Adrian Hernandez-Guereca
Age: 15
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 7, 2010
Incident Location: El Paso, TX
Sergio was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after a group of suspected undocumented immigrants reportedly threw rocks at agents at an international bridge. Guereca was on Mexican soil; the agent was 12 yards from the border on the U.S. side.
- Family of Mexican teen killed by border agent sues U.S.
- Border Shooting Strains Tensions With Mexico
- Cell Phone Video of Incident
- Mexican Border Shooting
- Case closed by DOJ
Eyewitness video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wI2Q1XikLw
4. Anastasio Hernandez Rojas
Age: 42
Nationality: Mexican, San Diego resident since age 18
Cause of Death: Tortured to death (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 28, 2010
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
Longtime San Diego resident; tortured to death by CBP officers at a Border Patrol station as he resisted being deported.
- Crossing the Line at the Border
- Update: Crossing the line
- Calls For Justice In Tasing Death At The Hands Of Border Agents
- San Diego Police Investigate the Death of a Mexican Man Resisting Deportation
Eyewitness videos:
3. Neil Begin
Age: 54
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: April 23, 2010
Incident Location: Near Van Buren, ME
Border Patrol agent, Robert Kipler, assigned to the Van Buren Station of the Houlton Sector, responded to a residence located just south of Van Buren, to back up a Maine State Trooper investigating an ongoing domestic dispute. Agents entered the residence with the State Trooper and confronted the subject [who] appeared to be holding a bolt-action rifle. The State Trooper and BP agent discharged their weapons at the subject. The subject was struck by some of the rounds fired, and collapsed to the floor. EMS arrived and transported the subject to a local hospital for emergency treatment and later transported by life-flight to a hospital in Bangor, Maine. The subject died the next morning. The Maine State Attorney General’s report later found that Agent Robert Kipler fired 14 shots, and Kipler fired the fatal shot. The Attorney General also found the shooting to be justified.
2. Victor Santillan de la Cruz
Age: 36
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of Force)
Incident Date: March 31, 2010
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
Victor was shot and killed during a struggle with a Border Patrol agent.
- Man Shot At Border Had History Of Illegal Entry
- Man shot by Border Patrol agent identified
- OIG report – page 19
1. Jorge A. Solis-Palma
Age: 28
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of Force)
Incident Date: Jan. 4, 2010
Incident Location: Douglas, AZ
Jorge was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after reportedly throwing a rock and injuring an agent and his dog. Incident was captured on a surveillance camera.