Thread: Nearly 1,000 mourners gather for slain ICE agent

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.

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Hundreds Gather For Rosary For Fallen ICE Agent

Reported by: Farrah Fazal

Last Update: 2/21 11:35 pm


BROWNSVILLE - More than 800 people gathered for the Rosary for Agent Jamie Zapata.

It was standing room only inside the building. Agent Zapata's body was in front of the room surrounded by his family.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS cameras captured what we believe to be Agent Zapata's partner Victor Avila arriving at the service just minutes before it started.

He walked with crutches inside the hall to pay his respects.

Bishop Daniel Flores led the Rosary, he says it was an emotional experience for him to lead hundreds of people with heavy hearts through prayer tonight.

Many of those people didn't even know Jaime Zapata, they just learned who he was while paying respects to a fallen hero.

The funeral mass is set for Tuesday at 8:30am at the Brownsville Events Center. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Old Port Isabel Road.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS will be live streaming the funeral proceedings on our website.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Hu ... SbFNQ.cspx

Flower Shops Prepare Arrangements for Agent Zapata
Reported by: Cristina Rendon
Last Update: 2/21 11:03 pm

BROWNSVILLE - When words fail to provide comfort many turn to flowers. Dozens of arrangements are being delivered to agent Jaime Zapata's family. One flower shop owner says her family is doing their best to finish several orders for the funeral.

Family, friends, and even government agencies are ordering flowers to honor the fallen ICE agent. It's a small way to show the family they care and are sharing in their pain.

Flowers are a visual expression of love, sympathy and respect. At Cano's Flowers and Gifts owner Irene Cano and her son Hugo are working hard to create perfect arrangements.

For Irene every detail is important and every flower must be fresh.

Zapata's death has caused flower shops all over town to be flooded with orders. Many were already delivered to the family's house last week.

"We've just got a couple of cancellations because they wanted them delivered a couple of days ago and the family wanted to be alone so we had to cancel the order," said owner Hugo Cano.

Some standing bouquets are waiting to be delivered to the Brownsville Events Center where the agent's funeral will be held. They will stand alongside the dozens of other floral arrangements.

Cano says government agencies and organizations have called them. One arrangement was ordered by Customs and Border protection internal affairs, and another comes from ICE.

Florists know their work may provide a sense of comfort to the family. Cano says it's a way to offer condolences when words can not.

"Those flowers, whether it be many or a few will ultimately help with the transition," he added.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Fl ... zm3Ig.cspx

Hundreds Stop by for Zapata Visitation

Last Update: 2/21 6:12 pm

BROWNSVILLE - Visitation is under way at the Brownsville Events Center for ICE special agent Jaime Zapata, who was killed last week in Mexico. Supporters have already stopped by showing their support for Zapata's family.

Hundreds of people have already stopped by, and many more are expected by the time Monday night’s rosary begins.

We've also seen preparations for Tuesday’s funeral service. A large flag now flies over the Brownsville Events Center. Workers are also putting the finishing touches on a large screen that will let people outside share part of the experience.

Brownsville Bishop Daniel Pena will preside over the funeral Mass Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

Hundreds of supporters are expected at Tuesday’s ceremony, one of them is Antonio Carmona, a former immigration officer and current veteran.

"It does come along with the job. It’s hard when something like this happens. May he rest in peace, Mr. Jaime Zapata," says Carmona.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, ICE director John Morton and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will be here.

Monday’s viewing is open to the public at the Brownsville events center at 1 Events Center Blvd. A rosary, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday night.

A funeral Mass is set for Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., also at the Brownsville Events Center. It will be followed by burial at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

People are being asked to line the streets as the hearse carrying the body of agent Zapata leaves the Events Center at approximately 10:30 a.m. The cemetery is at 4464 Old Port Isabel Road in Brownsville.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Hu ... FqxOg.cspx

My heart felt condolences go out to the Zapata family, truly.

It brings out the very worst in me that Nappy, Holder and Morton will trot out their dog and pony show though. They haven't solved Agent Terry's murder yet, but they will be out there trying to sell their BS stories about how secure the border is. I mean no disrespect to the Zapata family, but I hope some reporter ( heck, any reporter) calls ALL of them on that fact, and lets see how they try and double speak their way out of that!

Push to help Legislation needed here, please help!

http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1188121.html#1188121