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CBP Statement on an Officer Involved Fatal Shooting at the Calexico West Port of Entry

Release Date
Fri, 07/10/2020

Statement from Pete Flores, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Diego:

“On Thursday, July 9, at about 9:15 a.m., an individual arrived at the international border line at the pedestrian processing building for the Calexico West port of entry.

A CBP officer checking traveler documents for entry and a contracted security guard encountered the man brandishing a knife.  As the man approached the CBP officer and the guard with the knife, both drew and fired their weapons, and the man was shot.

Two CBP officers trained as medical first responders immediately arrived to provide aid, however the man died on scene.

No one else was injured.  As is standard policy, the officer involved is on administrative leave.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility are investigating the incident. CBP is also coordinating with the Mexican Consuls General in San Diego and Calexico, Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT), and the Mexicali Police Department.

Processing of northbound pedestrian traffic at the Calexico West port of entry was suspended immediately following the incident, and resumed at approximately 5:20 p.m.”

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021