Holly MatkinAnimas, NM – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Alfredo Nino died unexpectedly on Jan. 14.
“It is with a heavy heart that the El Paso Sector announces the death of Border Patrol Agent Alfredo Nino,” the agency told Border Report in a statement.
Agent Nino, 48, was assigned to the New Mexico Border Patrol Station in Santa Teresa.
“On January 14, Agent Alfredo Nino was found unresponsive by agents at the Garza Border Patrol Forwarding Operating Base in Animas, New Mexico,” the statement read. “Despite life-saving efforts performed by fellow agents, Agent Nino was subsequently pronounced deceased by local authorities.”
Agent Nino’s exact cause of death was not released.
He served the U.S. Border Patrol for over 12 years.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nino family, friends and Border Patrol Agents of the El Paso Sector,” the agency’s statement read, according to Border Report.
In addition to Agent Nino’s law enforcement career, he also a military veteran, Oswualdo Ramirez said in a memorial tribute.
“I served with him for four years while in the Texas Army National Guard. He was my platoon sergeant during the whole time, to include our Operation Iraqi Freedom tour in 2010,” Ramirez wrote. “He was a great Non-Commissioned Officer, a great leader, BP Agent, husband, father, and I am proud to say he was my friend. My condolences to his family.”
Agent Nino leaves behind his wife, Sandra, as well as his children, Mateo, Jennifer, and Amanda, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, stepmother, and siblings.
A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their lost has raised over $800 so far.
Agent Nino will be laid to rest on Thursday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Alfredo Nino, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.