ICE HSI Special Agent Zapata Mourned

Hundreds of mourners crammed into an event center Tuesday for the funeral of a federal agent killed in northern Mexico during what U.S. officials say was a roadside ambush carried out by drug cartel gunmen.

Law enforcement and border security personnel in uniform were among those solemnly gathered to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jaime Zapata who was run off the road and gunned down in San Luis Potosi state Feb. 15. Another agent in the car, Victor Avila, was shot twice in the leg but survived the attack.

Mourners filled the Brownsville Events Center on Tuesday, filling all the seats, lining the walls two deep, standing in aisles and even spilling outside. An honor guard stood beside Zapata’s flag-draped casket, which was flanked by another American flag and a Homeland Security flag.

Bishop Daniel Flores was the first to speak, using imagery to describe the “evil” Zapata, 32,had been fighting.

“He knew that if the good do not fight for what is good the enemy is aggressive and will take our children,” Flores said.

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.

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.

U.S. law enforcement agencies continue to work closely with Mexican authorities who are investigating the shooting to ensure the perpetrators of this unconscionable crime are captured as quickly as possible. The full resources of the Department of Homeland Security are at the disposal of Mexico in this investigation.

Update on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 10:55AM by Bonzer Wolf

Statement by Amador Zapata on behalf of the Zapata Family

In response to this terrible tragedy, the Zapata Family has many people to thank who have provided critical support to us. Our extended family, loved ones, and friends have helped us cope with our grief.

I also want to thank our community, the City of Brownsville, the State of Texas, as well as the Department of Homeland Security.

We have also been overwhelmed by the support of law enforcement officers and agents, and the people of the United States of America during our great loss.

My brother, ICE Special Agent Jaime Jorge Zapata, was undeniably the best! His dedication to service and integrity was unparalleled. He was the life and soul of our family, and a joy to his friends and colleagues.

I hope that you will remember him in your prayers – as well as the other men and women who have served this great country, and paid the ultimate price so that we may live in freedom in a safer United States of America.

Jaime was a son, a brother, a boyfriend, and a caring, loving person. He grew up giving of himself and was always committed to doing the right thing. I firmly believe he is in heaven now, continuing to work for what is right.

Please also keep his fellow agent, Victor Avila Jr., who was traveling with him, and the Avila family in your prayers, as they continue coping with this tragedy.

God bless my Father, Mother, Jaimes’ girlfriend Stacy, my brothers - Carlos, Jose, William, and all of you here today. Thank you for your prayers and support.

- Amador Zapata

The family has set up a memorial fund for Zapata:  

Jaime Zapata Memorial Fund
Compass Bank
Account:  2530223062
Routing Number: 113010547