While on patrol near Pisinimo, Arizona, Border Patrol Agent George B. DeBates was involved in a single-vehicle accident and died as a result of his injuries. Agent DeBates was working on a camp detail while assigned to the Casa Grande Station.
Agent DeBates was the fourth Department of Homeland Security employee to die in the line of duty since the Department was created in March 2003.
Originally from Wisconsin, Agent DeBates was a graduate of the 403rd session of the Border Patrol Academy. A four-year veteran of the Border Patrol, Agent DeBates was assigned to the Casa Grande Station, on detail to the Ajo Station. He is survived by his mother.