Thread: Government returns slain agent to family

Government returns slain agent to family

February 18, 2011 11:52 PM
By LAURA B. MARTINEZ, ILDEFONSO ORTIZ and EMMA PEREZ-TREVINO
The Brownsville Herald

Robert and Betty Forester stood silent as they peered through the chain link fence as the body of slain ICE Special Agent Jaime Jorge Zapata was unloaded Friday from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection plane.

They stood still and watched as Zapata’s family walked up to the casket that held Zapata, who was killed Tuesday in Mexico by unknown attackers, suspected to be members of the Zetas criminal organization.

The Zapata family’s grief was evident as the cries of his mother could be heard by those standing by the tarmac at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.

More than 200 uniformed officers and agents from CBP, Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County Sheriff’s Department lined up near the flag-covered casket to show their respect. Tears streamed down the faces of some of the agents as the casket was escorted to a waiting hearse.

Authorities have said some 83 spent shell casings were found at the scene of the assault on Zapata and fellow agent Victor Avila on Highway 57 near San Luis PotosÃ*, Mexico, about halfway between Monterrey and Mexico City, where the agents were assigned.

The Foresters did not know Zapata but were at the airport to show respect to the 32-year-old Brownsville native, who was a special agent with ICE.

“You see these types of processions on television,â€

My heart goes out to this agent's family. Once again my disdain for my own government knows no bounds! Everyone is crying "outrage", everyone that is except Obozo and Nappy; sometimes you just want to hang your head and cry

So sad. I feel their pain and are sending my deepest condolence to the family. I pray (God) will be with each family member and colleagues of Agent Zapata and will also give them strength to overcome the lost of such a wonderful person. Rest in peace brother. God bless all.

Originally Posted by nomas

My heart goes out to this agent's family. Once again my disdain for my own government knows no bounds! Everyone is crying "outrage", everyone that is except Obozo and Nappy; sometimes you just want to hang your head and cry

Be strong and keep praying, all will be fine. God bless you.