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Washington D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley, along with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers across the nation mourned the loss of two of their own in a solemn memorial service held today.

Senior Patrol Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson were on duty patrolling the waters of the Rio Grande River in Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized in rough water. Another Senior Patrol Agent, Jessie Sandoval, was rescued shortly thereafter by a nearby Border Patrol marine unit and taken to a local medical facility. Immediately, thereafter, an exhaustive search and rescue mission began. Working around the clock, Border Patrol’s BORSTAR unit, joined by other Border Patrol, federal, state, and local authorities worked tirelessly into the early morning hours when they discovered and recovered Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson.

“We mourn the loss of these two young agents who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding our homeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues. Senior Patrol Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson are true heroes. We honor them and we will not forget them,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner.

A joint memorial service was held today for Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson at 3:00 PM at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Harlingen Texas. On September 24, 2004, at 10:00 PM, Agent Attaway will be transported to the Tondre – Guinn Funeral Home in Hondo Texas. The next day, September 25, 2004, funeral services for agent Attaway will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis, Texas. Internment will immediately follow church services.

On September 29 & 30, 2004 visitation for Jeremy Wilson will be held at Jones –Moles Funeral Home in Bellingham Washington. The memorial service will be held at Christ the King Church and a funeral procession will follow the service to Bayview Cemetery also in Bellingham.

“We as agents understand the risks inherent in our mission, often located in isolated areas and often having to endure extremes in nature, such as the Rio Grande River which is one of Border Patrol’s, most dangerous assignments.” said National Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar. “Senior Patrol Agents Attaway and Wilson embody the dedication, commitment, selflessness, and professionalism of all our agents who guard our border and our country. We mourn their loss while we praise their service, remembering them and keeping them in our prayers always.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security, charged with the protection of our nations borders. CBP unified Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol into one border agency for the United States.

( Commissioner's message on the loss of two CBP Border Patrol Agents )

( Missing CBP Border Patrol Agents Located )