WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released a statement Thursday following the death of Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortizon November 14. An agent stationed in the Tucson Sector, Ortiz was responding to suspected illegal activity at the border Tuesday evening when his all-terrain vehicle crashed and he was killed upon impact.

“I and the members of the Committee were deeply saddened to learn the news of Agent Ortiz’s passing earlier this week, and we are mourning his loss along with the entire Border Patrol family. We truly do not deserve to be the beneficiaries of the bravery and heroism of federal law enforcement officers like Agent Ortiz, and I will be praying for his family in this unbelievably difficult time. I am so grateful for the unwavering service and selfless sacrifice of the men and women of Customs and Border Protection, including our Border Patrol agents who strive to keep our borders secure from all manner of threats. We owe every single one of you a debt of gratitude, and our Committee stands ready to offer assistance to the force in this difficult time.”

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