see also: in December 2003:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Increase Northern Border Security   CBP Seizes Cache of Narcotics Over Weekend   America's Frontline in Terror War Tightens Border: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Responds to Alert Level Orange   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seizes $8.2 Million in Cocaine at World Trade Bridge   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine "Boyka" Retires After Five Years of Service at Eagle Pass Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Formally Appoints Port Director for Newark/New York Seaport Area ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner joined by Border Patrol Chief Gus De La Viña announced today the recovery of the body of CBP Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling.

On the evening of December 16, 2003, Agent Epling disappeared while in foot pursuit of several illegal aliens along the Colorado River. Agent Epling, assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol Sector in Yuma, Arizona, was working near Andrade, California when he was last seen attempting to apprehend a group of illegal aliens along the banks of the Colorado River.

Moments prior to his disappearance, Agent Epling, with complete disregard for his personal safety, entered the swift, cold waters of the Colorado to rescue female alien in distress. Agent Epling reached for the woman and pulled her to the safety of the riverbank where another agent waited to assist.

After transferring the women to the agent, Agent Epling pursued four other individuals he observed running south toward Mexico along the riverbank in an attempt to escape arrest. That was the last time Agent Epling was seen alive.

A massive search and rescue operation involving multiple local, state, federal and Mexican officials was immediately initiated. After three days of searching, Agent Epling's body was recovered. Agent Epling is survived by his wife, who is eight months pregnant, their three children and his parents.

Commissioner Robert C. Bonner stated, "The brave actions and untimely death of Agent James P. Epling have profoundly affected all of us at CBP. Our agents face daily challenges and dangers safeguarding our borders, this tragedy reflects that reality. We mourn the passing of CBP Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling, one of our nation's heroic guardians."

CBP Border Patrol Chief, Gus De La Viña, added his condolences. "The depth of this tragedy is felt by the entire Border Patrol family. The loss of such a promising young agent, bravely carrying out his duty, has created a great emptiness within our ranks. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his family, especially his children, as we honor his courage and sacrifice."

The Border Patrol is a division of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for managing and securing our nation's borders.