U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Carlos C. Mendoza passed away on February 24, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that his death occurred in the line of duty. Officer Mendoza will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
Officer Mendoza was assigned to the Hidalgo, Texas Port of Entry in the Laredo Field Office. He began his CBP career as a customs inspector on April 11, 1999, at the Brownsville, Texas Port of Entry. In 2005, Officer Mendoza transferred to the Hidalgo Port of Entry and most recently was assigned to the Pharr Cargo Facility where he initiated many enforcement actions, such as discovering and seizing large amounts of narcotics in cargo shipments.
Officer Mendoza attended the University of Texas, Pan-American and graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He is survived by his spouse and four children.