Holly MatkinMission, TX – United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez died in the line of duty on Dec. 7 while chasing a group of illegal immigrants near the U.S. border with Mexico.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Chief Raul Ortiz said in a press release.
Agent Gonzalez, 38, was traveling on an all-terrain vehicle at a high rate of speed while pursuing a group of suspects who illegally crossed into the United States from Mexico when he slammed into a large metal gate on Schuerbach Road, KURV reported.
“He was found unresponsive by his fellow agents who immediately initiated life-saving efforts and requested [emergency medical services],” Chief Ortiz said.
Agent Gonzalez was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance, where he succumbed to his injuries.
No details regarding the individuals he was pursuing were immediately released, and it is unclear if they were apprehended.
“The death of an agent who dies while securing our nation’s border is a tremendous loss for our organization and our nation,” Chief Ortiz said. “Our prayers are with his family and co-workers during this difficult time.”
Agent Gonzalez was the sixth USBP agent to die in the line of duty this year, according to the New York Post.
He was assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector McAllen Station at the time of his death.
“His love of the country made him a stellar agent proudly serving 10+ years, ultimately resulting in his tragic death,” the fallen hero’s obituary read.
Agent Gonzalez leaves behind his girlfriend, Yvonne, and his children, Sebastian and Camila.
He is also survived by his father, brother, grandmother, aunts and uncles.
Agent Gonzalez will be laid to rest on Dec. 12.
I am deeply saddened to share news on the loss of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez Jr. yesterday morning. Agent Gonzalez began his career with USBP in 2011, and we will be forever grateful for his service. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/FkhLLA5UCl
— CBP Troy Miller (@CBPTroyMiller) December 8, 2022
RIP. Texas Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez passed away from injuries sustained in an ATV accident while pursuing subjects illegally crossing the border. He is survived by his son, his daughter, and family. #rip #BorderPatrolAgentRaulHumbertoGonzalez #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/45He42p0Uy
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) December 8, 2022
Rest in Peace US Border Patrol Agent Raul "Rhino" Gonzalez of the US Border Patrol RGV Sector. 🇺🇲
My thoughts and prayers are with the agents family as well as his brothers and sisters in green.#USBP #DHS #CBP #RGV pic.twitter.com/c9NJV3ykw8
— Unmanned Worldwide (@UnmannedWW) December 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
