On Wednesday night, the lighting of the candles took place during the 27th annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. As law enforcement officers gather this week in Washington, D.C., to honor the 127 who fell in the line of duty in 2014, the National Border Patrol Council is pointing out the fact that the name of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr. is missing from the stone walls.
On Aug. 5, 2014, Vega was spending the afternoon fishing with his family when two Mexican nationals approached seeking to rob him. Agent Vega responded by fighting back to protect his loved ones. His actions ensured that his family would not be seriously harmed; unfortunately he was shot and killed while his family watched. The illegal immigrants who killed Vega were apprehended and charged with capital murder. These individuals had committed multiple violent offenses and had been deported several times.
“Being an agent is not a 9 to 5 job,” said Brandon Judd, president of the NBPC. “An agent is never off duty when he is acting to protect his community from violent thugs and criminals. Agent Vega’s actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Border Patrol.”
At its annual convention, the National Border Patrol Council unanimously passed a resolution demanding that Customs and Border Protection classify Vega’s death a Line of Duty Fatality. Vega made the ultimate sacrifice upholding his oath to serve and protect. He gave his life to protect his family and our nation from illegal immigrants intending to do harm.
Judd described Vega as a man of action and service. “Before joining the Border Patrol he served with honor in the U.S. Marine Corp. He is a true American hero who dedicated his life to defending his nation and his family.”
It is time for CBP bureaucrats to stop delaying and to honor Vega’s sacrifice.
“This is about doing the right thing,” Judd said. “Vega’s family deserves the full benefits that he earned.”