CALEXICO, Calif. – A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Calexico Station was assaulted yesterday as he responded to an immigration violation in downtown Calexico.
At approximately 10:42 p.m., Remote Video Surveillance System operators observed a man illegally enter the United States and cross First Street near the border fence. A Border Patrol agent responded to the area.
While in the process of apprehending the man, the agent was struck on the shoulder by a block of concrete, approximately four inches in diameter, that was thrown over the border fence by an unknown assailant in Mexico.
The agent suffered soft tissue contusions, but was not seriously injured and declined medical treatment.
“I would like to commend the bravery and quick thinking that our agents display, not only under normal circumstances but also in dangerous situations such as this one,” said Carlos E. Briones, Patrol Agent in Charge of the Calexico Station.
Since Oct.1, 2016 (FY17) there have been seven reported assaults on El Centro Sector agents.
The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.