A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent was assaulted on the Tohono O’odham Indian reservation on July 2. The agent was attacked while was performing a vehicle inspection near the San Miguel gate area.
The assailant, who attacked the agent and repeatedly kicked him on his chest and legs, is a tribal member. According to sources, the agent is bruised and sore, but doing well at this time.
Leaders with the National Border Patrol Council – Local 2544 are in contact with Tucson sector management in an attempt to ensure the tribal member is prosecuted to the fullest extent. The suspect reportedly has an extensive high risk criminal history.
In June, acting chief of Border Patrol Carla Provost told Congress that assaults on U.S. Border Patrol agents have nearly doubled in 2017. According to The Washington Times, Provost testified that more than 550 assaults have been reported by agents through June 1, compared to 300 assaults at the same time last year.
“Border Patrol agents risk their lives daily and an attack on an agent should never be tolerated. While we are hopeful that the Assistant U.S. Attorney will prosecute the tribal member for Assault on a Federal Agent, we are very concerned that they have not taken significant action on the case,” stated Art Del Cueto, president of Local 2544 and member of the National Border Patrol Council Executive Committee.