Standing With Our Border Patrol Community

Statement

Yesterday, the El Paso and west Texas community learned about the death of U.S. Border Patrol agent Rogelio Martinez. My thoughts are with his family, his fellow agents, and the entire Border Patrol during this difficult time.
The work of our border patrol agents and law enforcement officers in El Paso, the Big Bend region, throughout
Texas, and across the southern border is like no other. They work under immense pressures, under a microscope, even under the dark of night. From the moment Rogelio and his fellow agents take their oath and put on their uniform, they answer a call that many of us will never know. A call to serve, to lead, to protect our communities, our neighbors, our families.

They are also called to protect the finest character of our country. To not only patrol the border of the United States of America but to embody its values. So often, our border agents are the first Texans, the first Americans those crossing into our country see. I've had the opportunity to know many of them in our community, their families too. They are our neighbors and friends. Our kids attend the same school, play on the same baseball teams. We know firsthand how lucky we are to have their service and sacrifice.

These officers, their department are cornerstones of our community-the largest binational one in the country. They've worked tirelessly to wear their badge with pride while also welcoming our concerns and working with us to do what's right. That unique role, one that too rarely receives our thanks, carries a lofty responsibility. And it's one that we owe our agents in return.

We will pursue an investigation into what occurred this past weekend. We will work with law enforcement to pursue justice. And as we learn more, we will continue uniting to support Border Patrol and remind them that in El Paso, across every mile of Texas, we are one community.

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