CUELLAR INTRODUCES BILL NAMED AFTER ICE Special AGENT JAIME ZAPATA
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 7, 2011, 0 Comments
Reduces border violence, increases inter-agency collaboration
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX 28) announced that he has introduced the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) Act of 2011, H.R. 915, named after ICE special agent Jaime Zapata. The bill would enhance border security and reduce security threats by authorizing and appropriating funds for law enforcement units on the border.
“I named this bill after ICE Agent Jaime Zapata out of respect for his service to our country and because he paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of us all,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I will push to move this bill through the legislative process in honor of his work, dedication and commitment to serving the United States of America in the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.
“When it comes to maintaining border security, collaboration and cooperation are key. These BEST units can reduce border violence by improving information sharing between federal, state, local and international law enforcement agencies,” Cuellar said.
BEST units may be comprised of Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, tribal, local and international level. The units will have authority to investigate, apprehend and prosecute individuals engaged in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human smuggling and trafficking, violence and kidnapping along borders.
The bill, co-sponsored by Congressman Michael McCaul (TX 10), would also give Congress the ability to oversee authorization and appropriation of funds for the units, which previously was under the purview of the DHS.
“As Ranking Member of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, I believe it is important that Congress has the ability to fund BEST units, so that they can continue to be successful combating border crime while cooperating and sharing information with federal, state, tribal, local and international agencies,” Congressman Cuellar said.
The first BEST team was based in Laredo. ICE establishes BEST units based on which areas are significantly impacted by border threats, the availability of law enforcement to participate, and the extent to which the threats are harmfully impacting the area. DHS/ICE will annually report on the effectiveness of the BEST as measured by crime statistics, to include violent deaths, incidents of violence, and drug related arrests.
On February 15, 2011, ICE special agents Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila were ambushed by members of Mexican drug cartels in San Luis Potosi. The two ICE agents were traveling between Mexico City and Monterrey. Special Agent Zapata succumbed to his injuries, living in the southwest border his entire life. Special Agent Avila was shot is now recovering.
