In Memory of Border Patrol Agents

IN MEMORY OF BORDER PATROL AGENTS -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. DARRELL E. ISSA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of two Border Patrol Agents, Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George P. Azrak, who were killed in the line of duty.

Theodore Newton and George Azrak were Border Patrol Agents stationed at the interior checkpoint in Temecula, California. On the evening of June 17, 1967, Agents Newton and Azrak were operating a rural checkpoint on Highway 79, approximately 30 miles south of Temecula. Agent Newton, 26 years old and married with two children, had been with the Border Patrol for a little over a year, while Agent Azrak, 21 years old, who was shadowing Agent Newton, hadn't even begun training at the academy. During their shift, they stopped an old military ambulance carrying two men when they discovered a shipment of more than 800 pounds of marijuana. As they were about to arrest the two men, two more men pulled up from behind and held the agents at gunpoint. They were kidnapped and subsequently murdered by these drug-traffickers in an abandoned shack near the checkpoint.

Upon hearing about the kidnapping, nearly 400 law enforcement officers participated in the search for the missing agents in one of the largest manhunts in Southern California. Eventually, the bodies were found, and all four of the men involved in the crime were later arrested. Two of the men convicted of murder were sentenced to life in prison.

In honor of these two agents, the Commissioner of the Border Patrol presents annually the Newton-Azrak Award to the agent that provides services or accomplishments reflecting unusual courage or bravery in the line of duty. This is the highest award for valor and bravery in the Border Patrol.

This country lost two dedicated law enforcement officers 37 years ago. The deaths of Agent Newton and Agent Azrak are a lasting reminder of the perils our law enforcement officers face each and every day while protecting our nation. I am grateful for their service and dedication to this great nation.

I thank the Speaker for the opportunity to honor the anniversary of the passing of Agents Theodore Newton and George Azrak and recognize the loss suffered by their families. I would also like to recognize all the brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and their family members who, like our military families, have loved ones putting their lives at risk for our security.