Nearly 1,000 mourners gather for slain ICE agent

(AP) – 1 hour ago

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — The killing of a U.S. federal agent in Mexico brought nearly 1,000 mourners to pray for him Monday night in his hometown on the Texas border, where a family member recalled the agent telling his mother shortly before his death that he was going to be a hero.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jaime Zapata left "the entire country" wanting to help his family after the 32-year-old was gunned down on the job a week ago, said Bishop Daniel Flores, who presided over a rosary in a ballroom packed with ICE and Border Patrol agents.

"It is time for us to remember we must fight the good fight," Flores said.

Zapata was gunned down a week ago when U.S. officials say drug cartel gunmen ambushed his car in the San Luis Potosi state. Fellow agent Victor Avila was also in the car but survived the attack after being shot twice in the leg.

Among the first to leave the service was a man on crutches who was surrounded by federal agents and helped into a waiting SUV. ICE spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said she did not immediately know whether the man was Avila.

Family members filled the first rows in front of Zapata's open coffin. An American flag was draped over the closed part of the casket and two honor guard members stood on either side.

Rafael Munoz, Zapata's cousin, said the family was still seeking answers about the Feb. 15 attack. He said Zapata, a former Border Patrol agent, loved being in law enforcement and wasn't scared about the job.

"You want to know what actually happened. Like a confirmation," Munoz said.

Shortly before Zapata died, he told his mother that he was going to be a hero and be famous, Munoz said.

"We've all been in tears. We can't replace him," Munoz, 23, said before Monday's service. "His mother just wants any way to bring him back. She keeps repeating that. It's been really difficult."

Zapata's funeral on Tuesday is expected to be attended by several high-ranking U.S. officials. Among them are Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who formed a joint task force led by the FBI to find Zapata's killers. Holder and ICE Director John Morton are both scheduled to speak.

Zapata and Avila were attacked when a group of Zeta drug cartel members in two vehicles forced Zapata's sport utility vehicle off a highway, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul has said. Avila was released from a Houston hospital last week.

"He has given himself generously for our sake," Bishop said of Zapata. "I think we could all say to the family that this is the kind of son and brother we would want to have."

San Luis Potosi borders two northern Mexican states where the Zetas and the rival Gulf Cartel have waged bloody battles over territory. Zapata and Avila were temporarily detailed to the ICE attache office in Mexico City and were driving from the northern city of Monterrey to the Mexican capital at the time of the attack.

"He was a hero," Munoz said. "He stood up for his country."

Munoz said the family remains under protection. He said he didn't think it was common for Zapata to cross the border for his job.

Agents from ICE and Border Patrol were among about 50 people lining up outside Zapata's visitation before the doors opened. Several Brownsville police officers manned the entrances and cameras were not allowed inside.

Tomas Neeley, 60, was among the first in line and cried while hugging family members who wore a photo of Zapata clipped to their lapels. Neeley said he grew up across the street from the Zapata home and had even baptized family members.

Neeley wondered whether confidence "overtook" Zapata and Avila when they lowered their bullet-proof windows. Neeley, a veteran who said he did two tours in Vietnam, said the killing by cartel members underscores what has become Mexico's bloody reality.

"They don't have any respect. They kill soldiers and federal agents and it doesn't mean anything to them," Neeley said.

www.google.com