As American flags flew at half-staff across the country, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez was laid to rest on Saturday, Nov. 25, in El Paso, Texas. DHS leaders attending the service included Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, Acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, Acting CBP Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello, and Acting Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost.



Agent Martinez died on Nov. 19, at the University Medical Center in El Paso as a result of serious injuries he suffered while on patrol in the Big Bend Sector in Texas. Agent Martinez was responding to activity while on patrol with another agent, who was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized. CBP is working closely with the FBI, which is conducting an investigation into the incident. The investigation is expected to take several weeks.

In her Thanksgiving message to DHS employees, Acting Secretary Duke announced that she had ordered all American flags at DHS facilities to fly at half-staff for a three-day period in honor of Agent Martinez. She also asked employees to remember Agent Martinez’s family and his injured partner in their thoughts and prayers.

In a separate message to CBP employees, Acting Commissioner McAleenan noted that the work of Border Patrol agents “often means operating in challenging terrain, difficult environments, and against transnational threats. Your safety is our number one priority. Please remain vigilant of your surroundings and look out for one another.”

Agent Martinez is survived by his parents, Jose and Elvia; his brothers, Enrique and Miguel; his son, Sergio; his fiancée, Angie Ochoa; three step-children, Abby, Arianna and Alex; and numerous nieces and nephews.

