Three US Customs and Border Protection officers have committed suicide in the last three weeks - bringing the death toll to a staggering 14 so far this year - as a Texas GOP lawmaker claims President Biden's border crisis drove 'broken' workers to their breaking point.
Border Patrol Agent Robert M. Boatwright, 49, and canine handler for USCB died November 20 and was the latest agent to take his life.
Earlier this month, BPA Javier Fabela, 50, also died by suicide on November 13, and BPA Roque 'Rocky' Sarinana, 46, on November 6.
The deceased agents were husbands, fathers, and soldiers who left behind grieving family members who are all still trying to come to terms with their tragic loss.
BPA Robert M. Boatwright, 49, died by suicide November 20. The husband and father of two was described by colleagues as someone who had an 'amazing worth ethic' and 'willingness to help others'
BPA Javier Fabela, 50, died by suicide on November 13. He was remembered as a 'kind and gentle soul' by all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife and eight children
BPA Roque 'Rocky' Sarinana, 46, took his life on November 6. A 22-year veteran of the Border Patrol, he leaves his wife and two young children
Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz shared the devastating news Monday on Twitter.
'On behalf of our Border Patrol family, I extend our deepest condolences to BPA Boatwright's family, friends, and colleagues. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.'
Texas GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales whose congressional district runs along the US-Mexico border from Del Rio to El Paso, called what is happening at US Customs and Border Patrol a 'very serious epidemic.'
The ongoing migrant crisis - with more than 2 million people crossing the border in the last year - has pushed many agents to their breaking point.
'With long hours, horrific scenes, and anxiety-provoking situations, our men and women in green are being pushed to their breaking point every single day,' Gonzalestold DailyMail.com on Wednesday.
'This year, 14 Border Patrol agents have taken their own life - and that is 14 too many,' the lawmaker said.
He added, 'this administration needs to step up, enforce the laws that are already on the books, and take this dangerous crisis seriously.'
Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) holds a press conference in El Paso, Texas to discuss the crisis at the southern border, November 15 at the El Paso Border Patrol Station
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Boatwright had been stationed at Las Cruces Station in the El Paso Sector. A United States Army veteran for 25 years, he served two tours in Iraq.
Born in Landstuhl, Germany, he was aformer sheriff with the Johnson County Police Department in Indiana and a law enforcement officer with the Anchorage Police Department in Alaska.He also was a skilled-trim carpenter during his construction days, according to his obituary.
Ruiz said he was described by colleagues as someone who had an 'amazing work ethic' and 'willingness to help others.'
He leaves behind his wife, Brenda, daughter, Kari; and son, Dallas, a United States Marine stationed in Japan.
Ruiz also called for prayers as they mourned the loss of BPA Javier Fabela and BPA Rocky' Sarinana calling it 'heartbreaking.'
He wrote:'Rocky made us all better, he will never be forgotten.'
Ruiz saidFabela was 'known to be carefree, his friends will always remember his innate ability to make people laugh, ease the tension in a room and for having a spontaneous fly by the seat of pants instinct.'
He leaves behind his wife, Brenda, daughter, Kari; and son, Dallas, a United States Marine stationed in Japan.
Sarinana leaves behind his wife Leanna Dinora Sariñana of 22 years, his two children, Alina Leanne Sariñana and Royden Gabriel Sariñana, two dogs Tess and Mila
Fabela is survived by his wife, Damaris Fabela, and his eight children Justin, Estevan, Juan, Aaron, Hailey, Marek, Javier Jr., and Joaquin. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Alex)
Fabela was a USCB agent for nineteen years. Prior tobecoming a federal agent, he served in the United States Army.
'Javier was very proud to serve his country. He was a kind and gentle soul to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed,' his obit read.
Fabela is survived by his wife, Damaris Fabela, and his eight children Justin, Estevan, Juan, Aaron, Hailey, Marek, Javier Jr., and Joaquin. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Alex).
Sarinana leaves behind his wife Leanna Dinora Sariñana of 22 years, his two children, Alina Leanne Sariñana and Royden Gabriel Sariñana, and two dogs: Tess and Mila.
Described by loved ones as an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman and someone who was 'always quick to throw on a chef’s apron, he enjoyed cooking and grilling for family and friends,' his obit read.
'He was deeply loved by his family and will be sorely missed.
The National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents 18,000 Border Patrol agents, said there have been 14 suicides in 2022 by its count, The New York Post reported.
That number includes eight Border Patrol agents, five Office of Field Operations officers, and one support staffer. In prior years, thee recorded between five and 12 suicides, the news outlet said.
