Sen. Cruz Honored to Meet Family of Slain Texas Border Patrol Agent
Cruz also sits down with National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) representatives as part of National Police Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) met in his office with the wife, children, and parents of Javier Vega, Jr., a Border Patrol Agent who was murdered by two illegal immigrants in south Texas in 2014. More than two years after this tragedy, in September 2016, Agent Vega's death was finally classified as being in the line of duty. Sen. Cruz contributed to that effort with a letter to Jeh Johnson, who was then the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. As part of National Police Week, Agent Vega's family is visiting Washington D.C., where his heroism is being recognized in various ceremonies and events.
"As Scripture says, there is no greater love than when a man lays down his life for others," Sen. Cruz said. "Agent Javier Vega is a sterling example of this, as are the many other fallen law enforcement officers being remembered this week. Agent Vega loved his family, he loved Texas, and he loved the United States, and in the end, he gave his life to protect all of them. He is a genuine hero. It was an absolute honor to meet Agent Vega's wonderful family, and I commend them for their strength in the midst of this tragedy. They are in my prayers."
At the same time, Sen. Cruz also met with leading officials of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), including NBPC President Brandon Judd. Among other things, they discussed border security and the importance of the men and women on the frontlines who, like Agent Vega, risk their lives every day to protect our country.
"Border security is often a life or death issue. This is something border agents and other law enforcement personnel know all too well, yet they remain fiercely committed to doing their jobs day in and day out," Sen. Cruz said. "I believe we should back them up by defending our borders with every tool in our tool kit, empowering border patrol agents to enforce the law, and providing them with sufficient resources to get the job done. The National Border Patrol Council plays a pivotal role in this, and I look forward to continuing to work with NBPC and the Administration to achieve these goals."
