Cornyn Bill To Rename Checkpoint After Fallen Agent Javier Vega Becomes Law

“Agent Vega heroically gave his life defending his family, his community, and his nation,” said Sen. Cornyn. 

Washington—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the President signed into law his bill to honor the fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. for his service by renaming the Border Patrol checkpoint where he was assigned, along U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, after him.

“Agent Vega heroically gave his life defending his family, his community, and his nation,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “Now everyone who passes through the checkpoint in Sarita, Texas can recognize his faithful service and sacrifice. I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues and the leadership of the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Union for helping us honor him in this way.”

Agent Vega was fishing in Raymondville, Texas on August 3, 2014 when he was murdered while protecting his family from two armed robbers who were suspected of ties to transnational organized crime.

Agent Vega’s death was not immediately classified as a line of duty fatality, even though he was responding to a clear violation of law at the time of his death.

Sen. Cornyn and Rep. Vela (TX-34) sent a letter on October 30, 2015, and again with U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (TX-10) and John Carter (TX-31) on September 16, 2016, urging U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske to reclassify Agent Vega’s death to allow his family to receive the corresponding benefits afforded public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty.  On September 21, 2016, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the decision to reclassify Agent Vega’s death as a line of duty fatality.