The United States Border Patrol released a press release Sunday evening announcing the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent from injuries sustained while on duty this morning in Van Horn, Texas.
“Agent Rogelio Martinez and his Big Bend Sector partner were responding to activity while on patrol near Interstate 10, in the Van Horn Station area. Agent Martinez’s partner reported that they were both injured and in need of assistance. Responding agents provided immediate medical care, and transported both agents to a local hospital.”
Authorities say the 36-year old Rogelio Martinez had been a border agent since August 2013. He is originally from El Paso, Texas. Martinez later died while in the hospital.
Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz released the following statement regarding this tragedy:
"Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez, who was killed this morning in the line of duty. We are also praying for the full recovery of his partner, who was also attacked.
This is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat that an unsecure border poses to the safety of our communities and those charged with defending them. We are grateful for the courage and sacrifice of our border agents who have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe.
I remain fully committed to working with the Border Patrol to provide them with all the resources they need to safeguard our nation."
CBS News reports the Big Bend area where Martinez was on patrol is heavily trafficked.
"Border Patrol records show that Big Bend accounted for about 1 percent of the more than 61,000 apprehensions its agents made along the Southwest border between October 2016 and May 2017. The region's mountains and the Rio Grande make it a difficult area for people to cross illegally into the U.S. from Mexico."
It is unclear what exactly led to the life threatening injuries and subsequent death. This story will be updated as details come in. Townhall's thoughts and prayers are with Martinez's family as well as the U.S. Border Patrol.
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