Earlier today, two U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents assigned to ICE’s Attache Office in Mexico City, Mexico were shot while in the line of duty.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced earlier today that the agents were shot while driving between Mexico City and Monterrey. The assailants are unknown.
One agent was critically wounded in the attack and died from his injuries a short time later. The other agent was shot in the arm and leg and remains in stable condition. It is believed that a Mexican drug gang staged a road blockade just prior to the agents being shot.
U.S. law enforcement agencies are working closely with Mexican authorities investigating the ambush.
DHS Secretary Napolitano made the following statement regarding the shooting, “I’m deeply saddened by the news that earlier today, two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents assigned to the ICE Attaché office in Mexico City were shot in the line of duty while driving between Mexico City and Monterrey by unknown assailants. U.S. law enforcement agencies are working closely with Mexican authorities who are investigating the shooting to ensure the perpetrators of this unconscionable crime are captured as quickly as possible. Let me be clear: any act of violence against our ICE personnel – or any DHS personnel – is an attack against all those who serve our nation and put their lives at risk for our safety. The full resources of our Department are at the disposal of our Mexican partners in this investigation. We remain committed in our broader support for Mexico’s efforts to combat violence within its borders. I ask that you join me in praying for our fallen and wounded colleagues. Please keep them, and all our DHS personnel serving abroad or in harm’s way, in your thoughts.â€
