Cruz, Cornyn Bill to Rename Border Patrol Checkpoint After Fallen Agent James Dominguez Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statements after the Senate passed their James R. Dominguez Memorial Act, a bill that would rename the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 90 West in Uvalde County in his honor. James Ray Dominguez was a proud Texan and Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life on July 19, 2012, while clearing debris from the side of Highway 90 near Cline, Texas. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “Agent Dominguez was a patriot, a dedicated public servant, and a devoted husband and father. His legacy will continue to inspire the men and women of our Border Patrol to serve with the same selflessness. I am proud to join my colleagues in memorializing his memory by naming the Border Patrol checkpoint in Uvalde in his honor.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “Agent Dominguez was a courageous officer, loving father, and devoted public servant who tragically died while working to protect his fellow Texans. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support of this legislation to rename a Border Patrol checkpoint in Agent Dominguez’s honor as a reminder of his impressive legacy as not only a respected agent but also a good Texan, who served his community selflessly and humbly.”

Sens. Cruz and Cornyn were joined by Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) in introducing the legislation in the Senate. This legislation was led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas-23) and passed on May 21, 2024.

BACKGROUND

Agent James Ray Dominguez served with the U.S. Border Patrol from 2000 to 2012. On July 19, 2012, he stopped to assist a stranded motorist with a flat tire, was struck by a passing vehicle while helping clear debris along U.S. Highway 90 West near Cline, Texas, and tragically passed away. He was assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Uvalde Station in the Del Rio Sector and is survived by his wife and four children.

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