Agent Aguilar died in the line of duty today after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected narcotics smuggler in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area near Andrade, California.

Agent Aguilar began his career with the United States Border Patrol when he entered on duty July 21, 2002, as a member of the 519th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. Agent Aguilar was assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol Station since his graduation from the Academy.

Agent Aguilar was 32 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and two children. He is also survived by his brother, Senior Patrol Agent Marcos Aguilar, assigned to the Nogales Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector.

Mourning bands are authorized for all uniformed CBP employees from now until the time of interment.

Agent Aguilar's death serves as another stark reminder of the risks our front-line agents and officers face each day as we strive to secure America's borders. This despicable act will only strengthen our resolve to continue securing our borders even in the face of increased violence.

We are already working today with support from many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and the full cooperation of Mexican law enforcement and military authorities to find Agent Aguilar's killers and bring them to justice.

On behalf of the entire US Customs and Border Protection family, Chief Aguilar and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Agent Aguilar.

W. Ralph Basham
Commissioner