Another US Border Patrol Agent Murdered - How many more must die?

In the darkness of night, Tuesday night (12/14) another US Border Patrol Agent was gunned down and killed along the Arizona/Mexico Border. Agent Brian A. Terry was patrolling a region of the border called the Peckwell/Rio Ricco sector with an undetermined number of other US Border Patrol Agents when they came acorss five suspects. The suspects opened fire on the agents. During the firefight, Agent Terry was shot and later pronounced dead from his injuries.

During a conversation with the Phoenix FBI office, I learned one of the suspects was shot and later transported to the hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time. FBI spokesperson, Brenda Nath, told me they do not currently know (or aren't releasing) the details of the suspects as to who they are or why they opened fire on the Border Patrol Agents. Nath said, "In addition to the hospitalized suspect, three other suspects are in custody and one is still at large. It is not currently known which suspect shot Agent Terry." The FBI will be leading this investigation and promised to keep us informed of new information as it becomes available.

The US Border Patrol released the following statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Terry family for their tragic loss,” said CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin. “Our commitment to Agent Terry and his family is that we will do everything possible to bring to justice those responsible for this despicable act.” 

Agent Terry's murder marks the third death in the line of duty of US Border Patrol Agents. In August of 2009 I reported on the murder of Border Patrol Agent Robert Wiley Rosas. How many more must die for us?

In August, President Obama authorized the spending of $600 million of emergency funding to provide more security along the border. This included the hiring of 1,500 new law enforcement officers, additional drones and forward operating bases to enhance security.

This is not enough. How many more law enforcement officers much be killed because our Congress and President do not have the courage to secure the border of the United States. These deaths are completely predictable with the increasing violence along the border. They are also preventable.

US Border Patrol spokesman Mario Escalante said, "U.S Customs and Border Protection will continue to be resolute in our commitment to securing our Nation’s borders while remembering all of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

But they need help! I have suggested to members of Congress that armed National Guard troops be deployed along the US/Mexico border, paid for by the federal government, but under the direction and control of the border state governors. This would provide additional resources to governors trying to protect their state and would avoid the posse comitatus act, which prohibits federal troops from law enforcement duties. The National Guard, while under state control, does have law enforcement authority.

It is time to take action. Law enforcement officers, sworn to protect us and other civilians are being murdered by drug cartels and human smugglers. Border violence has indeed spread to inland cities like Phoenix and Houston as well as other cities across the nation.  

Please contact your member of Congress and senators. Contact your governor and state representatives. Contact the White House and the Department of Homeland Security. Let them know that the deaths of these agents is not to be tolerated and we MUST secure the border. We MUST do it now!  What say you?