Tragedy as three CBP agents 'commit suicide' in three weeks - bringing total ... trends now
Three US Customs and Border Protection officers have committed suicide in the last three weeks - bringing the death toll to a staggering 14 so far this year - as a Texas GOP lawmaker claims President Biden's border crisis drove 'broken' workers to their breaking point.
Border Patrol Agent Robert M. Boatwright, 49, and canine handler for USCB died November 20 and was the latest agent to take his life.
Earlier this month, BPA Javier Fabela, 50, also died by suicide on November 13, and BPA Roque 'Rocky' Sarinana, 46, on November 6.
The deceased agents were husbands, fathers, and soldiers who left behind grieving family members who are all still trying to come to terms with their tragic loss.
BPA Robert M. Boatwright, 49, died by suicide November 20. The husband and father of two was described by colleagues as someone who had an 'amazing worth ethic' and 'willingness to help others'
BPA Javier Fabela, 50, died by suicide on November 13. He was remembered as a 'kind and gentle soul' by all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife and eight children
BPA Roque 'Rocky' Sarinana, 46, took his life on November 6. A 22-year veteran of the Border Patrol, he leaves his wife and two young children
Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz shared the devastating news Monday on Twitter.
'On behalf of our Border Patrol family, I extend our deepest condolences to BPA Boatwright's family, friends, and colleagues. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.'
Texas GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales whose congressional district runs along the US-Mexico border from Del Rio to El Paso, called what is happening at US Customs and Border Patrol a 'very serious epidemic.'
The ongoing migrant crisis - with more than 2 million people crossing the border in the last year - has pushed many agents to their breaking point.
'With long hours, horrific scenes, and anxiety-provoking situations, our men and women in green are being pushed to their breaking point every single day,' Gonzales told DailyMail.com on Wednesday.
'This year, 14 Border Patrol agents have taken their own life - and that is 14 too many,' the lawmaker said.
He added, 'this administration needs to step up, enforce the laws that are already on the books, and take this dangerous crisis seriously.'
