Memorial unveiled in honor of Javier Vega Jr., fallen agents

KINGSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This weekend marked 11 years since Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr. was killed during a failed robbery attempt while he was fishing with his family.

On Monday morning, a memorial was unveiled in Kingsville as a tribute to Vega and other agents who have died.

On August 3, 2014, Javier Vega Jr. was fishing with his wife, children, and parents, near Santa Monica in Willacy County.

Two men, both in the country illegally, tried to rob Vega and his family at gunpoint and fired shots at the group. Vega was shot in the chest and died.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and other crimes.

Agent Vega, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, was honored for his heroic act during an unveiling of a memorial outside the Kingsville station where he worked. 

Christina Smallwood, public affairs officer for the Rio Grande Valley sector headquarters, said that this event was to honor both Agent Vega and all fallen agents. 

“Today was an extremely monumental event," Smallwood said. "A monumental event not just for the Kingsville Border Patrol Station, but for all law enforcement. It was an event to continue to honor the legacy not only of Javier Vega Junior, but also those who have fallen in the line of duty.”

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks and border patrol agents from all over the Rio Grande Valley gathered to pay tribute to Vega. 

His mother, Marie Herrera Vega expressed how grateful the family is for the community support. 

"The support from the community is just amazing," Marie said. "From day one, they’ve been by our side. Anything we need any questions we have, everybody just jumps in and helps us answer our questions. It means a lot to us, knowing how much he was loved and it’s just a great honor.”

Vega was described as intelligent, loving, and humble. His son reflected on just how passionate his dad was about his work.

“He loved his job," his son said. "He would always rave about how awesome it was, and I remember him getting back from the academy; he was just so excited. It was awesome.”

Agents at the Kingsville station along with the Vega family say the purpose of this memorial is to offer law enforcement officers and their families a space to reflect on and honor all fallen agents.

The memorial was made possible because of the Javier Vega Jr. Foundation, a non-profit organization that was established to raise funds to build a memorial to honor Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr. and others who made the ultimate sacrifice at USBP Kingsville Station. For more information on the foundation, visit their Facebook page.