Cornyn, Cruz Bill to Rename Checkpoint After Fallen Agent Javier Vega Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statements after their 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 passed the U.S. Senate:

"Agent Javier Vega should be remembered as a hero," Sen. Cruz said. "I am grateful for my colleagues' support in this effort to recognize and honor Agent Vega's life of service and sacrifice. We will never forget his deep devotion to the safety and security of his family, the state of Texas, and this nation."

"Agent Vega devoted his life to serving his nation, making the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his family and community," Sen. Cornyn said. "Senate passage of this bill brings us one critical step closer to honoring his extraordinary service and sacrifice by renaming the checkpoint in Sarita."

Agent Vega was fishing in Raymondville, Texas in 2014 when he was murdered while protecting his family from two individuals 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.

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