Border Patrol Agents Help Local Police Capture Mexican Escapee

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector assisted local law enforcement in the apprehension of a Mexican national who escaped from a local jail.

Agents at the Brackettville Station received a call that a felony suspect escaped from the Kinney County, Texas, jail. Sheriff’s office officials requested assistance from the Border Patrol in locating an inmate who escaped their custody.

Deputies arrested the 26-year-old Mexican national on charges of burglary of a habitation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and theft of a firearm, according to information obtained by Breitbart Texas from U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. The statement did not indicate how the inmate escaped from the county jail.

Agents began a search for the man in a brushy area near his last known location. The agents eventually tracked down the man and held him for the sheriff’s deputies. The Mexican national now faces additional charges of escape.

“Having strong partnerships with local law enforcement is a priority that Del Rio Sector will continue to uphold,” Acting Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said in a written statement. “I am very proud of the contribution these agents made in ensuring a safer community for our residents.”

Border Patrol agents routinely assist local law enforcement officers and other first responders in local communities.

Earlier this year, Border Patrol Tactical Team (BORTAC) agents were recognized for heroic action in assisting Live Oak County, Texas, deputies apprehend an armed escapee, Breitbart Texas reported. Russell Childress allegedly opened fire on Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and fled into the brush. BORTAC agents dispatched to the scene to provide assistance to local law enforcement. The agents encountered Childress, who opened fire on them and fled further into the brush. The agents established a perimeter to ensure the fugitive could not evade capture.

After being surrounded, Childress engaged in a third gun battle with police after negotiations for his surrender failed. Texas DPS SWAT team members found his body after the gunfire stopped. No law enforcement officers were injured.

A citation recognizing the actions of Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Andres Sillas, Jr. and Jose A. Garza II, along with Agents Jose J. Dominguez, Javier Puente, Pedro A. Salinas, Ernesto Gonzalez, and Gustavo Ruiz stated, “The actions displayed by Childress placed BORTAC operators in extreme danger.” Their “actions and response to this active shooter situation is in keeping with the highest traditions of Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. Their selfless advance toward the exchange in gunfire in support of their fellow law enforcement officers assisted in the successful outcome with no loss of life to friendly personnel. The BORTAC operators’ display of professionalism and bravery was exceptional and deserved to be rewarded.”