Chaffetz, Bishop Offer Condolences to Family of Slain Border Patrol Agent, Decry Ongoing Border Violence

Press Release

Congressman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense, and Foreign Operations and whose district includes Provo, Utah, and Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01), Chairman of the House Natural Resources National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee, released the following statements regarding the shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Naco, Arizona. Naco, Arizona is located in the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector and the agents were from the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station, which was recently named in honor of fallen Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

One agent, Nicolas Ivie of Provo, Utah, was fatally shot. The shootings occurred in the immediate proximity of federal lands and Congressman Bishop and Congressman Chaffetz are awaiting further details of the incident.

In his role as Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations, Rep. Chaffetz has been keenly aware of the continued violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Congressman Chaffetz has been a leader in the U.S. House in bringing information to light regarding the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, as well as the escalating gun violence along the border.

"The senseless act of violence that claimed the life of border patrol agent and Utah native Nicolas Ivie is a tragedy. My heart goes out to Agent Ivie's family and I extend to them my gratitude for their son's service and sacrifice. Those who perpetrated this crime must be found and brought to justice without delay. I support a full and immediate investigation of this incident. As the facts come to light, we must take measures to ensure the safety and security of our border patrol and our residents in the region. I will be no less vigilant in bringing to justice the perpetrators of this most recent heinous attack than I have been in the case of Agent Brian Terry's murder," said Congressman Jason Chaffetz.

Congressman Bishop authored the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act [H.R. 1505] to help bolster security on some of the most crime-ridden parts of our border. The bill, passed in the House on June 19, 2012, would enable the U.S. Border Patrol to have greater access to federal lands where current federal land management policies limit their ability to apprehend and deter traffickers and maintain a routine presence.

"First and foremost, I would like to extend my prayers and condolences to the Ivie family. It is devastating that this young man is the latest victim of the ongoing violence occurring throughout the southern border region. Agent Brian Terry lost his life on federal lands about 70 miles from where this incident took place. Today's shootings are a grim reminder that our lands along the border remain overrun with criminal activity from drug cartels and other smuggling operations," said Congressman Rob Bishop. "Now is the time that we must come together in a bipartisan way to make sure our borders are secure and safe."

Source