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Jaime Jorge Zapata
- Feb. 15, 2011 -
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(27591)
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Pass your cursor over pic to see larger version! Click pic for full version!
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Resided: |
Brownsville TX, USA
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Born: | Unk |
Fallen: | Feb. 15, 2011 |
Race/Sex: | Caucasian Male / 32 yrs. of age |
| Agency |
Dept: | U.S. Homeland Security - Special Investigations
DC
USA |
Dept. Type: | Federal/Police |
Hero's Rank: | Special Agent |
Sworn Date: | Unk |
FBI Class: | Homicide - Gun |
Weapon Class: | Firearm |
On The Job: |
5 years
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Bio: Jaime Zapata was born in Brownsville, Texas, United States, a border city directly north across Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He was one of five brothers, all in the field of criminal justice. Zapata attended Hanna High School, and later graduated from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 1995, where he attained a degree in Criminal Justice and an associate's degree in Applied Science. Zapata then joined Homeland Security Investigations in 2006, after being assigned to the Office of the Deputy special agent in Laredo, Texas, where he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit and in the Border Enforcement Security Task Force. |
Survived by: |
Parents and four brothers, two of whom also serve as federal agents. He is buried in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, Brownsville, Texas.
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Fatal Incident Summary
Offender: |
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Location: |
San Luis Potosí,
Other
Mexico
Tue. Feb. 15, 2011
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Summary: |
Special Agents Jaime Zapata and Víctor Avila were traveling from Laredo, Texas to Mexico City on an assignment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As they drove through the northern state of San Luis Potosí, the agents noticed two SUVs following them down Highway 57, a four-lane, federal highway from Mexico City to Monterrey. The two vehicles that came up behind them were at a high rate of speed, and were described as driving "aggressively," according to agent Avila. One vehicle passed the agents’ Suburban, while other gunmen started to fire at their vehicle, and eventually rammed them off the road.
As one of the agents rolled down the window to inform them that they were U.S. diplomats, the agent recalls how one of the gunmen got off his vehicle, with an assault rifle in his hand, forced the door of the agents’ car open and shot point blank at them. When Zapata shifted the vehicle into park, its doors automatically unlocked. The Zeta gunmen pulled open the driver's side door and tried to drag Zapata out, but he fought them off, managing to re-lock the doors. The agents, however, managed to crack the windows to talk with the assailants and identify themselves. The agents hoped to reason with the gunmen—as many as 15 of them—who surrounded the vehicle.
According to congressman McCaul, the agents said "We're Americans, we're diplomats", and the response from the drug cartels was bullets.
The gunmen then fled, and Avila was able to use his cellphone to call for help. Dying, Zapata managed to put the car in gear and drive away before collapsing at the wheel. Soon afterwards, a Mexican federal police helicopter arrived where the two agents were. Avila was shot twice in the leg, and was later sent to a hospital in the Houston, Texas. Jaime Zapata, however, gravely injured from three bullet shots, died before the authorities could aid him with medical treatment.
According to federal sources, the ambush took place at a fake military checkpoint established by the gunmen, who were dressed in camouflage uniforms and armed with machine guns.
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Disposition: |
The death of Jaime Zapata allowed for the United States to work closely with officials on the Mexican-led investigation to ensure the perpetrators were captured as quickly as possible. Throughout the investigation, all the killers were eventually captured, including Jesus Enrique Rejon Aguilar, the third most powerful leader in Los Zetas and boss of the state where Zapata was killed. |
Source: |
Website Click
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Source: |
Article Click Highway Dedicated to Fallen Agent Jaime Zapata
Story Created: Oct 17, 2011 at 5:14 PM CDT
Story Updated: Oct 18, 2011
City, county and state leaders have designated a Laredo highway as Jaime Zapata memorial highway to pay tribute to the ICE Agent who was murdered back in February while working in Mexico.
Today’s ceremony to unveil the new highway sign drew dozens of people. Our Annette Garcia was there and has the story.
Jaime Zapata’s mother his father and one of his brothers were among the people that attended here today. They say Jaime loved Laredo and are glad to see Laredo is honoring their son this way.
The mother of fallen ICE Agent Jaime Zapata became emotional to see the unveiling of a new sign bearing her son's name during a re-dedication of a Laredo highway.
Zapata’s parents say it’s a touching gesture from a city and county their son shared his hopes and dreams in.
“He loved Laredo and he loved people. He cherished people.”
“They’ve gone beyond the recognition and that for us is a great honor.”
The ICE Special Agent lived and worked in Laredo with his fiancée. His dad says Jaime gave back to the community and loved to participate in cookout contests.
“They participated nearly every Sunday and whatever money they made they gave it to charity.”
Zapata had been sent temporarily to Mexico City and unfortunately never returned.
His family and former colleges say they're happy to see that the place he loved so much never stopped loving him.
“It's humbling to see that this is going to be a lasting source of pride for all of us.”
“This is something we've seen from Brownsville to Laredo, the community coming together. They way they embrace the family--this is why we do what we do.”
“ We’re very honored. It's very sad because nothing will replace my son but in light of that we are very honored. I’m very honored that Laredo has taken my son like their son.”
“ You see that sign and you’re going to remember and my son is going to be there forever and ever and ever.”
The Jaime Zapata memorial highway will take the place of Loop 20 from highway 359 to highway 83.
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Last Updated: May. 29, 2019 |
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