U.S. Border Patrol agent killed during gunfire on Tuesday
A U.S. Border Patrol agent was killed and another wounded near the Mexican border on Tuesday.
According to CNN, the gunfire started near Naco, Arizona after a sensor had went off near the border.
Nicholas Ivie, a 30-year-old agent, was killed. He was from Provo, Utah and had been working for the border patrol since January 2008. He is survived by a wife and two children.
In a statement, his parents and brothers said: “We are extremely proud of Nick and for his service both in his community and our country. He loved what he did and he gave it his all, including his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife and his two beautiful girls.”
The President called and offered his condolences and to thanked the family for Ivie’s service.
“The president told the family they are in his thoughts and prayers and made clear that his administration was doing everything it could to locate those responsible for this tragic event,” a White House statement said.
ABC reports that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have issued this statement:
“Last night, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection family suffered the loss of Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie at the hands of criminals operating on the border near Naco, Arizona. Another agent was also wounded and was treated at a local hospital. Agent Ivie died in the line of duty, protecting our nation against those who threaten our way of life. His death only strengthens our resolve to enforce the rule of law and bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Agent Ivie’s family and friends in this difficult time.”
The agent that was wounded was not identified yet. He was released from the hospital Wednesday.
