Three Border Patrol Agents Shot, One Killed, in Shootout With Drug Smugglers Off Puerto Rico Coast

Three Customs and Border Patrol officers were killed and one injured during a shootout off Puerto Rico’s coast with drug smugglers. CBP issued the following statement:

Initial reports indicated that five CBP agents were killed. Initial reports stated that five CBP agents had been shot.

Alejandro Mayorkas (Homeland Security Secretary) acknowledged the death in testimony before a Senate panel Thursday morning.

“Ranking Member (Rob) Portman expressed concern about the tragic death of a frontline member. Their job is much more difficult than that of frontline personnel. They should be commended for their selflessness and bravery.”

According To The New York Times:

Limary Cruz-Rubio, a spokeswoman for the F.B.I.’s San Juan field office, said the shooting was being investigated as an assault on a federal officer. She asked for anyone with information about the shooting to contact the authorities and said the bureau’s evidence response team was responding to the scene.

While much is made of our southern border with Mexico, this tragedy serves to remind us of the dangers our agents face in fighting drug trafficking within The Caribbean.