American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. has issued the following statement in response to the murder of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega:
“I am both saddened and angry to learn of the death of AFGE member Javier Vega, a Border Patrol agent at the Kingsville Border Patrol Station in Kingsville, Texas. Agent Vega was off duty and fishing with relatives on Aug. 3 when two men attempted to rob them and opened fire, fatally wounding Agent Vega.
“Agent Vega was a hard-working and respected agent, and his brutal killing will not go unpunished. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends and his colleagues throughout the Rio Grande Valley Sector. His untimely death is an unfortunate reminder of the dangerous world in which we live. We should take this time to honor Agent Vega and all law enforcement officers throughout the federal, state and local governments who protect and serve us, often at great risk to their own safety.”
Agent Vega was just 36 years old, and he leaves behind a wife and three children. A memorial fund has been established in his honor. Donations can be made to the Javier Vega Jr. Memorial Fund at Rio Bank, P.O. Box 4169, McAllen, Texas 78502 (Routing Number 114915447 / Account Number 4081153).