Cartel Ambush Leaves One U.S. Officer Deaf And Partner Wounded. Surviving Officer Testifies This Week.

The U.S. government has refused to support the family of a United States Federal Agent still recovering from severe injuries inflicted during the resistance of a Mexican cartel attack while on duty. These same factions also agreed on housing the family of one of the cartel members involved in the same attack which left his partner dead.

The immigration and customs enforcement special agent named Victor Avila has went on record in saying that the department of Homeland security refused to fund hotel stays and travel expenses per diem for his two children and his wife while he testifies at the trial of the two men arrested for his own attempted murder this week. He claims DHS told him that there was no "funding mechanism" in place for those type of expenses. He was forced to pay out of pocket sensing imminent danger in leaving them at home. He goes on to say that not only does he fear retaliation from the cartel themselves but those smaller groups dedicated to their cartel leaders.

Meanwhile, DOJ extended parole to the family of a former cartel member that has decided to plead guilty for the ambush. The family has been relocated, housed and has had all of their expenses paid for at least the past year by the DOJ.

Feb 15, 2011 - The Ambush

They knew the dangers of this particular highway. The stories were countless, cartels operating throughout the area regardless of the time of day. They weren't stupid, they were in a moving fortress of reinforced steel and windows strong enough to withstand landmines and point blank gunfire. There was only one ultimately fatal flaw.

As they watched in dread, their worst nightmare was unfolding right before their eyes. Cartel members holding up Ak assault rifles seemed to appear out of thin air as they all surrounded Avila and his partner Zapata. They weren't fully stopped yet, but efforts to try and out run or out maneuver the criminals were quickly dismissed. They had no choice but to pull off the road and stop.

So Zapata did just that.

(Click!)

The most terrifying sound they both could have heard at that point in time.

It seemed to almost be fake, like they both just imagined the fact that this new tank like Suv they were In, designed to keep them safe at times just like this, didn't just automatically unlock all the doors once placed in to park. That sentiment left as fast as it arrived, bullets instantly snapping him back to reality with those familiar smells and sounds. The reinforcements meant to withstand firepower were pointless if you didnt have the door locks engaged. They reached for the door simultaneously but it was too late...

Zapata was the first Immigration and customs enforcement Special Agent killed in the line of duty since 1985. Proof our people are in the line ir fire in this vicious drug war. It's this loss of American life that has placed scrutiny on the Mexican law which States that United States Law enforcement operating in Mexico may not carry firearms in order to protect themselves even though they are in constant danger.

In typical US fashion, they have only released very little information as to the "who what where and why" aspect of this incident, including the reason for being on the very active Mexican highway in the first place. It is very well known to have various cartel members scouting and keeping watch, yet they were there with no military or police escort, usually routine in cases like this.

Zapata was only on a temporary assignment and was 9 days in at the time of his murder. It was suppose to be simple. Nevermind the Zetas cartel known to own the area. They weren't scared, but alert. There was nothing to be scared of. This modern day SUV they were in was literally created for high action situations .Just keep the door locked and they can manage in any attack or ambush they encounter.

They stop at a subway along the way. Investigators think this is where they were spotted by the Zetas. They saw two well dressed hispanic men in the type of truck only driven by the rich or law enforcement. Either way, they were going to be dealt with.

After they leave the sandwhich shop, it takes about an hour before they notice that they are being tailed by a suspicious looking SUV. Soon after this realization another SUV appeared in front of them. That's when they noticed both of the vehicles held 8 or more men, all with assault rifles and the dead stares of soldiers. Both vehicles began to aggressively box the two agents in and eventually ran them off the road. All of the armed criminals jumped out of the SUVS and had the officers surrounded before they even made a complete stop.

(click!)

They all heard the same thing at the same time.

They both reached for the door locks and that's when it happened. In the commotion of everyone grabbing at the doors one of the officers accidently lowered one of the bulletproof windows. Only a four inch gap, but that was all that they needed.

One of the attackers jammed the barrel of his sub machine gun held down the trigger. Both officers were rapidly sprayed with bullets. Avila, the luckier of the two, was hit in the ankle and mid thigh. They were severe, but not life threatening. Zapata was crushed by six bullets point blank. His femoral artery was severed beyond repair. It wasent long before the sound of him choking on blood ceased completely and his body sat twisted and still in the blood soaked cab of the SUV.

As his partner bled out in the seat next to him, Avila was miraculously able to roll the window back up and secure the cabin area. He assessed the situation, trying with all he had left not to panic. He could see his partner was already gone, his were already turning blue as the blood continued to drain from his body. He hoped his injuries weren't severe enough to render him unconscious , then picked up the phone to make a frantic call to the U.S. embassy in Mexico City.

Meanwhile, seeing the opportunity come and go within seconds, the gunman opened fire on the vehicle. Over 90 rounds were unloaded in to the SUV. Not a single one penetrated the armored monster.

He survived the attack but Zapata didn't. They were both armed but outgunned, and the Mexican government Is not too happy about that. It is illegal for U.S. officials to carry firearms in Mexico, although the issue is being scrutinized after the attack.

In the weeks that followed, hundreds of suspects were arrested in the process of finding out the people responsible. Ultimately , a low level captain named Juilian Zapata ( no relation ) along with 7 others were arrested for the killing. 5 of them are pleading guilty and are facing life in prison. On trial this week are Jesus Ivan Quezada Piña, 28, and Alfredo Gaston Mendoza Hernandez, 33. They were extradited in 2015 on the charges. Avila and the other 5 arrested are expected to testify against them later this week.

Officer Zapata grew up with U.S. law enforcement in his blood. Two of his brothers were ICE agents, but even they are outraged with our goverment. They would like to know the details as to why they were put on a road with no escort and minimal protection.

It is normal for our government to offer parole to the immediate family of witnesses who are extradited in return for a testimony if it is believed they are in danger. Officials have refused to identify who's families are being extradited to Avila, and the whole situation seems like a bad dream. DOJ has repeatedly been denied funding for his family even though he was promised by multiple sources that they wouldnt be. He was instead told to seek reimbursement for the expenses from a state run fund designed to financially aid victims of crime. He is expected to front every penny up front then hopefully receive compensation at a later date if any at all.

Avila has tried pleading his case for over six years with no results. Hes lucky if he gets a reply. He states that he never once asked for any type of special treatment, even though they are his employer. All he wanted was protection for him and his family, which after almost being killed in the line of duty, is something he deserves. His testimony is crucial and it is an injustice that, what seems to be a "loophole", is forcing him to protect his family on his own dime. Injustice is putting it mildly. Thanks for reading.

(images and research done at freebeacon.com)