TECATE, Calif.—A U.S. Border Patrol agent was assaulted near the International U.S./Mexico Border last night, approximately two miles west of the Tecate Port of Entry.
TECATE, Calif.—A U.S. Border Patrol agent was assaulted near the International U.S./Mexico Border last night, approximately two miles west of the Tecate Port of Entry.
At around 8 p.m., two Border Patrol agents were patrolling on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) adjacent to the border fence in Tecate, Calif., when a rock, approximately six-inches in diameter, was thrown from Mexico over the border fence. The rock struck an agent’s helmet, knocking him off of his ATV. An infrared scope-operator monitoring the area was contacted but no suspects were located when looking south of the agents’ location. The agent was taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries to his head, wrist, and elbow.
Commenting on the incident, San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson said, “Our agents face unpredictable dangers each and every day while protecting America. If the agent had not been wearing a helmet, his injuries could have been much worse, if not fatal.”
U.S. Border Patrol agents are often assaulted by smugglers and criminal elements while protecting and defending America’s borders and preserving the sovereignty of local communities. Since 2010, there have been 408 assaults against Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
– CBP –
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping dangerous people and capabilities out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
