Two Border Patrol Agents Killed While Chasing Illegal Immigrants
- Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:19am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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GILA BEND, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a crash involving a freight train and an SUV that killed two Border Patrol agents as they maneuvered to capture a group of suspected illegal immigrants in southwestern Arizona.
The agents were positioning themselves Thursday on a road north of some other agents when their vehicle entered a marked railroad crossing and was hit by the train, said agent Kenneth Quillin, spokesman for the Border Patrol’s Yuma sector.
The crash happened at about 6 a.m. MST in a rural farming area near Interstate 8 and the town of Gila Bend, about 85 miles southwest of Phoenix.
The Union Pacific train with 75 cars was westbound after leaving Phoenix. It was going about 62 mph when it hit the SUV, pushing it about a half-mile down the tracks, officials said.
The agents were identified as Eduardo Rojas Jr. and Hector Clark, both of the Yuma sector, which has close to 1,000 agents.
The suspects were on foot, and none of them has been arrested, Quillin said. “We do see groups (of illegal immigrants) on a regular basis traveling through this area.”
Before the collision, the train engineers spotted the SUV on the access road and “sounded a horn a quarter-mile” before the crossing, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said at an afternoon news conference.
Union Pacific said in a statement its crew had no warning that the SUV would turn in front of the train. It did not elaborate.
The railroad crossing where the wreck occurred is marked but does not have railroad crossing arms, he said.
Arpaio declined to speculate on what might have caused the fatal accident.
“We are all at risk in that area of enforcing the drug and illegal immigration law,” he said. The sheriff’s office and FBI are investigating the deaths.
Hours after the crash, the mangled black SUV sat on the tracks in front of the train’s engine as several agents and other law enforcement officers combed the area. Tarps were placed over some of the wreckage.
There have been six previous accidents at the privately owned railroad crossing, dating back to 1984, but only one involved a fatality, records show. One person died in July 2003 when a semi-truck driver failed to make a complete stop and was struck by a train.
Clark, who was 39 years old and a native of Yuma, had been an agent since August 2001. The 35-year-old Rojas was originally from El Paso, Texas, and had been an agent since April 2000.
Each agent is survived by a wife and two children.
“It’s sad anytime you lose somebody in our organization,” said George McCubbin, president of the National Border Patrol Council.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a statement saying, “The entire DHS family expresses our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of these agents.”
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said he joins all Arizonans in mourning the deaths.
“This tragedy is a reminder to all of us that whether they are facing down a criminal suspect with a weapon, or patrolling the highways and deserts, these law enforcement professionals encounter life-threatening dangers every day,” Horne said in a statement.
—
Associated Press writers Mark Carlson, Bob Christie and Carmen Castro in Phoenix contributed to this report.
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Comments (133)
flyboy213
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:12amStop trying to catch them just shoot them. Tey will get the message we do not want illegales here only legals !!!!!
Av8tor056
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:12amThe border is more secure than ever before? Less illegals are crossing than in years past? Yet they see Illegals here all the time?
Report Post »It’s time to establish criminal penalties to entering our country illegally. It’s time to stop paying for illegals. No more mealy mouthed politicians whining about amnesty. Close our borders. Arrest illegals. Period.
Anchor babies are U.S. citizens. Fine. There will be a lot less when you start giving the parents the option of giving up the baby when they‘re deported or signing away the child’s citizenship.
avi8tor
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:07amAnother tragedy on mobamas watch…or lack there of, dereliction of duty of this impostor. Shame on you mobama !
Report Post »Ksera Sugarmail
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:04amWhy don’t you make some jokes about this article, Barack? Hahahahahaha. You’re speech at the border was chalk full of quips, jibes, and funny little lines. When’s your next appearance on SNL, you funny-guy? I guess our guys dying is just hillarious to you. Hey Janet! Looks like the border is as secure as its ever been. Good job!
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:58amWE THE PEOPLE must remove the traitors from this administration from the wh on down.
No more “excuses”. We cannot wait until elections next year. The group running our country into the ground will find a way to stay in power if we do not take it back right now.
Everyone out there who is a PATRIOT, put on our “thinking caps” and come up with workable solutions.
1. How do we legally remove all of them NOW?
2. Any REAL AMERICAN lawyers out there who would do this “pro bono”?
3. Help uncover more connections between janet mapalitanos and drug pay offs????
4. jeremiah wrong and his church and undercover work with mosquesitos????
5. Someone’s already on georgieporgie….
6. the clintons….whatever happened to all the people working for them who were killed?/died unexpectedly, young, etc.?????????????????????????????
7. And, joetheblow biddenmytime?????????????? Surely there’s enough dirt on that dirtbag to bring him down or up on charges!
8. The flotilla group~~~ anyone on them????
We cannot wait for someone else to do this. WE ARE IT, “GUYS”!
GOD, please guide us. Help us uncover links and hidden info that would help us save our country. In JESUS’ PRECIOUS NAME, we pray. Amen!
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:57amMy prayers go out to the border agents and their families.
Report Post »John 3:16
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:48amThis is sad to hear. Heros trying to protect all of us.I’m sure sinastamace and his fellow trolls could never appreciate their sacrifice,They like their kind, the Blackpantywaist panthers hate police agents,
Report Post »On The Bayou
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:47amIf you ask COMMON the rapper border patroll agents are the same as cops.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:47amMy money is on that the MSM will not report this because our borders are secure, the communist in chief sez so.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:41amI disagree with BHO, my vote is for the mote as opposed to dead officers.
BHO will never secure the border, only their votes.
Report Post »Daniel4
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:38amUmmmm… I thought that Dear Leader said that the fence was ‘basically’ complete and Big Sis said that the border was never safer??? I think that we ought to embrace Dear Leader’s suggestion that we build a moat and stock it with alligators. It’s his first idea that actually makes sense!
Report Post »SMSgtBoomer
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:37amSad to see these agents die a senseless death more than likely due to a lack of situational awareness. It is really hard not to hear the warning horn from an oncoming freight train unless one has a severe case of target fixation, which has killed more than one of my comrades during my flying days.
Report Post »cowpill
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:37amTell me this in’t so! The fence is built, the border is completly secure and we get to detain all illegals! This must be some tragic mistake!
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:35amMy heart go`es out to these familys,My the Lord watch over them.
Report Post »VotersOfNY
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:34amYeah, the only thing Obozo said that makes sense. A friggin moat with alligators to eat the stupid illegals who think they can go any place they want. I can see them wanting a better life for themselves, but they are so arrogant, thinking they deserve to be able to come here illegally, thanks to our stupid president Obozo. We need to get rid of him, the Democraps, public sector unions and the illegals. Alligator food.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:56amHaving a moat with alligators is a terrible idea. Crocodiles are much more aggressive and grow much larger.
Report Post »drago
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:34amAs i’ve said before, if you want to stop the mexican invasion of the U.S., shoot them as they come across…..
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:33amObama lied, agents died.
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:40amDITTO……..
Report Post »Nick,
The best one liner I have heard for a long time.
Code_Orange
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:49amYou are Trolls! Shame on Both of you – for a traffic incident that was not caused by anyone. Meh!
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:03amCode Orange, let me guess, you’re about 18 years old? You’re clearly an idiot and ignorant to boot, what part of, “in pursuit” do you not understand? Man, no wonder we are in trouble when dolts like you vote.
Report Post »MontanaRob
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:25amBob…Dolt is being too kind, and yes, he’s probably 18-20 going on 8 (developementally)!
Report Post »These idiots have never done anything of any substance and have been programmed to believe that they cannot and should not do anything except ****** the advancement of human developement by subjugating us all to Dark Age living and demented ideologies.
Marx was a real peach, too bad our forebearers didn’t see fit to use his works for their fitting place, TP roll, brownie film, you know, BUTT WIPE!
Ken
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:36amCode_Orange, if our border were REALLY secure, these agents wouldn’t be chasing your illegal immigrant buddies that are still on the loose! I suggest you shut the hell up!!!
Report Post »Code_Orange
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 7:12pmTrolls!
There was no “hot pursuit” across those tracks – they were “on Patrol” and going after persons on foot!
The article mentions this happens to be a dangerous intersection, with previous accidents (probably would have cost TAXES to have it made safer). I am really sorry for everyone who has an automobile accident and especially those who die. It’s several hundred a day – hardly ever mentioned at all.
Trolls!
Report Post »joey g
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:32amthe US guards every border in the world but our own…goooooooooooooooooo figure
Report Post »Ramcharger
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:31amSad, my prayers are with the border control officers families.
If the border was secured these brave men would not be chasing these ILLEGAL’S and they would be alive today. Shame on Obama – do your damn job and secure the border for our friends, family and nation.
Report Post »joey g
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:31ami would send the 1st Infantry Division to guard our border…no more nothing there…
Report Post »On The Bayou
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:28amWe need that mote with the alligators in it so the border patrol guys can rest.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:28amJanet Napolitano needs to be removed. She is the one that said there is no problem at the border (along with BHO) Our country is being lead be complete, self serving fools!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:16amThey both need to go; Napoletano practically bankrupted my home state of AZ while she was governor here…is it little wonder she is allowing this to happen? All hades is to soon break loose in this land.
Report Post »BrerRabbit
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:26amNo humor in this BO!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:26amAnother war the government won’t let us win.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:34amThere has to be a fight to have a ‘war’ ..we are not defending our border ..we are simply funding Mexico by letting all the drugs into this country to kill our people and send the $$$ back across the border. Redistribution of wealth to Mexico and deaths of Americans.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:53amThe more here in AZ I hear of these things happening, and hear the lies of the administration and the Napoletano the little Napoleano I have to wonder just what they think would be a ‘unsecure’ border? It most likely would be one in which the people of America try to flee the country to go anywhere else than here.
Report Post »PALE RIDER
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:26amthank you.
Report Post »olddog
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:26amI thought blojama said it was totally safe there? If we want our children and our country to be safe we must remove all the liberals from political offices..
Report Post »Ironmaan
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:34amMany so called liberals are actually subversives.
Report Post »http://guerillatics.com
MidWestMom
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:34amObuta spews lies, lies, lies – even though they always come to light..
Prayers for the border patrol agents family & friends.
I do have a question – not only about this, but all RR crossing accidents: How in the world can drivers miss a train coming? You can hear the noise & the horn – in most instances you can see a fair distance down the tracks in both directions?? When I was taught to drive, one of the first lessons was ALWAYS look & listen when crossing RR tracks. Even if there is an automatic crossing gate. You never know when those could fail….
Report Post »enduro
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:35amthey must have jumped the moat and escaped the alligators. Obama is a moron. This whole administration is nothing but idological amatuers.
Report Post »Redd
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:37amget the alligator moats, asap!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:37amBorder is still as wide open as a flour sifter, maybe even more so. My prayers to the Almighty to comfort and sustain the families of those lost in the days to come, and may they understand the love these two had for their families and dedication to their duty.
The borders need to be closed absolutly; already I have heard people saying the agents and the train folks are to blame for “putting illegals in danger of crossing the tracks.”
Trains do not stop on a dime, especially this one having weighed at some 4900 tons mass going at 60 mph…
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:38amRemember how Obama was laughing at us for thinking the border is dangerous?……traitor!!
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:38amHolder is probably dancing a jig over this.
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:42amEven with story after story of this taking place, Obama and Napolitano keep telling us that everything is great. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le53dbWpg_Q Illegal means illegal, secure our borders!
Report Post »Huguenot Descendant
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:47amObama said the border was safer than ever. Then why have there been more recent murders of border patrol agents than before?
In order to make the borders safe there needs to be a fence with agents and/or soldiers ready to kill anyone who dares to cross. That would make the drug cartels and illegals second guess about crossing.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:48amI wonder if this was a warning from the DHS? Just saying. It is getting close to election time.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:50am@TXpiolet:
Mr Obama and many of his czars and administration are true traitors and terrorists against the ideals and Constitution of the country. The exception being Biden, even the now deceased Bin Lauden did not think him worthy of his attention…and that is saying something indeed.
Report Post »Code_Orange
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:24amIt is their JOB.
They gave their lives willingly for YOU.
Report Post »Code_Orange
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:29amYuma has 1,000 agents, but 125 two years ago.
This was a traffic accident caused by an American Railroad intersection, not illegal aliens.
For once, the famous outspoken Sheriff has no pithy comments about the evil aliens to add.
Blaze is making a mountain out of a molehill, unfortunately a pattern.
Report Post »Deanna in Missouri
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:53amCode_Orange
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:29am
Yuma has 1,000 agents, but 125 two years ago.
This was a traffic accident caused by an American Railroad intersection, not illegal aliens.
How can you say that? They were in pursuit of illegals. More deaths of Americans because of these parasites.
Report Post »PALE RIDER
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:25amWOW if we only had a fence……. but it’s perfectly safe…… idiot.
Report Post »the_zazzy
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:29am@Code-Orange:
Report Post »It is their JOB.
They gave their lives willingly for YOU.
_________________________________________________________________________________
What a stupid comment! If the Blaze is that big of a problem for you, why don’t you make all of us happy and disappear like a f@rt in the wind? By your logic, no one should be upset when our soldiers or police officers are killed in the line of duty, because it is their job. Real nice. Don’t give us this BS about the border being more secure under this dope. Time to reveal who you really are…Code Pink!
Sinista MACE
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:29amThey’re so full of it, of course the border isn’t safe when the CIA and BATFE are running drugs,guns, and cash across the border.
Report Post »GODSAMERICA
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:44amWell it looks like obama won another round. He has two less patriots that he has to deal with.
God Bless these two heroes and Bless and give their families peace and comfort in these trying times.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:48amWhat’s the real definition of “Homeland Security”? Who’s home? Who’s security? If border patrol is enforces to do it’s job @ the order these wet backs wouldn’t be dangering themselves and the people who actually vote half way into Arizona. Please vote the 2012 Republican ticket straight up.
Report Post »papapatriot
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:58amHow many more Border Patrol agents must we loose before this administration decides to get tough on the illegals and drug runners? Its Obama’s job to see to it that out borders are secure. To hell with the Spanich vote, Do the job you were elected to do! As soon as an illegal is caught they should be deported immediately. Just think of the money saved and the jobs created. God Bless America.
Report Post »Sinista MACE
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:13amWhat about the agent that got killed by one of the weapons that Obama and the BATFE allowed to be smuggled across the border?
Where is the story about that, BECK?
What about the Agent ready to testify to a grand jury that the BATFE are DRUG AND GUN RUNNING ACROSS THE SOUTHERN BORDER, and one of his fellow agents DIED from a weapon they allowed across?
Huh?
Huh??
Cat gotcha tongue?
Huh?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:17amGod Bless all the agents and their families . they are doing a job the current regime doesn’t support and yet they work to keep us safe.. RIP.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:21amObama lied, our people die. Time to call for the resignation of the commie in the white house.
Put the military on the ground and walk south. Push every illegal back over the border. Arrest the smugglers and drug dealers.
Report Post »Ken
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:30amIf Gov. Brewer will build the moat, Florida will supply the alligators!!! Take THAT Obummer!!!
Report Post »the_zazzy
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:08pmIs Obama going to place a 6-month moratorium on train travel because of this accident? Seems logical.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:19pmKen
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:30am
If Gov. Brewer will build the moat, Florida will supply the alligators!!! Take THAT Obummer!!!
_____________________________________
I agree ..we have PLENTY of them .. the next time they capture one walking down the street or in someone’s pool I think I will suggest it! FL will be happy to help out .. at least this Floridian will!
Report Post »ramburner
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 7:05pmTruth is; BOTH Parties have played politics with the border issues since I was a child and perhaps before. I am 62 now. Enough is enough! Secure our borders. Vote ALL “lifers” out of office and replace them with people who can read the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. We MUST return to our roots or we will lose our nation!
Report Post »KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:47pmMore blood on the hands of the Traitors Obama, Napalitano, and Holder!
Report Post »tbear44
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 5:39amWould someone please wake up Nappytano?
Report Post »Code_Orange
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 7:18amZazzy, I am sure you are real nice, and a likeable person.
Sometimes police or soldiers or government workers get killed by drivers, or motorcycle accidents, or training gone wrong, or lightning or floods. Just like the rest of us. It happens.
An active duty marine who is killed riding a rodeo bull in the Philippines is dead, but you don’t blame the Filipinos!
Being on patrol to do a routine task does not mean illegal aliens “killed you” or “caused” the traffic accident.
I like the Blaze when they are subtle in stirring up their numbers
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 10:35amSinista Mace – You forgot to mention that when Congress wanted to question the ATF on what they are doing as far as selling guns to the Mexican drug cartels they REFUSED to respond. I for one find that extremely troubling.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 10:43am@Code_Orange
Report Post »I am sure that Zazzy was being “silly”, but you are dead wrong about this “accident”. Example; if 3 guys are robbing a store and one shoots an kills the clerk, all 3 robbers will be prosecuted for murder.
Same thing here. The only reason these agents were crossing the tracks was in pursuit of ILLEGAL ALIENS and therefore it is the fault of the ILLEGAL ALIENS that these agents are dead. Since BHO & the DHS have FAILED to secure the border, I also believe, (my personal opinion), that BHO & Napalitano (sp), are also dirty with the blood of the agents and should be prosecuted.
DogWithA_Bone
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 11:08amApparently the border is no longer an issue…
Report Post »Obama has taken care of all that…
Right? : P
I agree that it was fun to hear him quote the Blaze posts,
Even more fun listening to Glenn make fun of it the next morning
on the radio. : )
RehabUncleSam
Posted on May 15, 2011 at 3:22pmI don’t believe this was an accident, I believe it was a message.
Report Post »