Border Agent’s Death Seen As Deliberate Violence

WASHINGTON (AP) – Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the death of a Border Patrol agent over the weekend was an act of deliberate violence.

Chertoff said Tuesday assaults against agents are rising as security tightens on the southern border. Speaking to a small group of immigration reporters, he said violent groups are pushing back.

Senior Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar was struck by a suspected smuggler’s vehicle Saturday in California as he was trying to lay down a tire deflation device to stop the car.

Aguilar was identified Tuesday as a father of two children who is originally from El Paso, Texas. A Border Patrol official said Aguilar has a brother serving in the Border Patrol.

The FBI is leading an investigation of Aguilar’s death.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)