Thread: Zeta Drug Gang Suspected of Murdering ICE Agent in Mexico

Drug Gang Suspected of Murdering ICE Agent in Mexico

Updated: Wednesday, 16 Feb 2011, 8:29 AM MST
Published : Wednesday, 16 Feb 2011, 8:29 AM MST

(NewsCore) - A high-profile Mexican drug gang was implicated Wednesday in an attack that killed a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent and left another wounded.

The agents were attacked about 100 miles north of Mexico City on Highway 57, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source told Fox News Channel on Wednesday.

An anonymous US law enforcement official told The Dallas Morning News that the agents were shot Tuesday as they drove up to an unofficial checkpoint under the control of the Zetas drug gang.

Powerful Mexican drug gangs often set up roadblocks to steal cars or rob travelers, taking advantage of the lawlessness caused by turf wars between rival cartels.

The two agents assigned to the ICE attache office in Mexico City were probably unarmed when they were shot while driving between Mexico City and Monterrey, the official told The Dallas Morning News.

Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata was critically wounded and died from his injuries. Zapata, a native of Brownsville, Texas, joined ICE in 2006 and was only recently posted to Mexico City. The other agent, who was not identified, was shot in the arm and leg but in stable condition in the hospital.

The Mexican government announced it would investigate the shootings, with the foreign affairs ministry noting that "the government of Mexico strongly condemns this serious act of violence, and extends its sympathy to the US government and to the families of those attacked."

ICE director John Morton paid tribute to Zapata, saying, "Please join me in honoring the incredible sacrifice of Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata, who lost his life in service to our country."

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said: "Let me be clear. Any act of violence against our ICE personnel -- or any DHS personnel -- is an attack against all those who serve our nation and put their lives at risk for our safety. The full resources of our department are at the disposal of our Mexican partners in this investigation. We remain committed in our broader support for Mexico's efforts to combat violence within its borders."

Morton added: "This is a difficult time for ICE and especially for the families and loved ones of our agents. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks confronted and the sacrifices made by our men and women every day. We are working closely with our partners here in the United States and in Mexico to ensure those responsible for this senseless act are brought to justice."

The senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chairman Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) said the deaths were the latest reminder of the need to stop the "grievous violence south of our border."

"I am grateful to the many federal agents who serve our country in dangerous circumstances every day. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of today's victims in their moment of heartbreak," he said.

The incident marked the first time ICE agents in Mexico were shot.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpps/news/d ... c_11906859

ICE Agents Shot in Mexico, 1 dead
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-228307.html

(NewsCore) - A high-profile Mexican drug gang was implicated Wednesday in an attack that killed a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent and left another wounded.

The agents were attacked about 100 miles north of Mexico City on Highway 57, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source told Fox News Channel on Wednesday.

Let us give those offenders a taste of their own medicine when they are located. Set an example for the rest who enjoys murdering our people in cold blood and for no apparent reason.