Dog shot and killed by Border Patrol agent during home search
Update (November 19, 2025): El Paso's Congresswoman Veronica Escobar sent a letter to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott and Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks in reference to the shooting of an El Paso family's dog by Border Patrol agents.
Find the letter below:
“Commissioner Scott and Chief Banks:
"I am writing to formally request updated information about the investigation into the lethal use of force incident by a Border Patrol agent against a pet dog at a private residence in El Paso, Texas.
"On September 9, 2025, Border Patrol agents reportedly shot and killed Chop, a family’s seven-year-old Rottweiler, while following up on an anonymous a tip at the home. According to a statement by the homeowner, he was cooperating fully with the agents and alerted them that Chop could be difficult with strangers and would be contained to a bathroom in the home while the agents conducted their investigation. Despite this, agents allegedly entered the house while the homeowner retrieved his identification documents from his car, let Chop out of the bathroom, and shot him. Reporting indicates that the agent who shot Chop allegedly attempted to hide his face and refused to provide his name.
"This incident is inexcusable. A family lost their beloved dog to the actions of a Border Patrol officer, and we are still unaware of what, if anything, the agency is doing to rectify the situation or prevent a similar one from happening again.
"My office reached out to local El Paso CBP after receiving information about the incident on September 19th. CBP confirmed in a September 22nd response to my office that an investigation into the incident was taking place, however, our office has yet to receive any updated information on the investigation, including whether or not the agents involved in the shooting were put on leave or are still actively working.
"I urge CBP to provide my office with a detailed update about the investigation into this incident, including:
- Has CBP identified what prompted their agent to find and let Chop out of the bathroom where he had been placed for safety?
- Has CBP identified what prompted the officer to open fire on Chop?
- Did officers refuse to render assistance once Chop had been fatally shot?
- What steps, if any, has CBP taken to address this incident with the family?
- What disciplinary action will be taken against the officer who fatally shot Chop?
- How will CBP ensure that an incident like this does not happen again?
"Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response."
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Paso man says a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed his dog while agents were searching his home for undocumented migrants on Sept. 9.
The dog, a six-year-old rottweiler named Chop, was shot during the search, according to the owner’s attorney, Marissa Ong.
Ong said her client told agents before the search that he had a dog inside the home and had secured him in the bathroom. She said one agent entered the house alone moments before her client heard a gunshot.
When the man ran inside, Ong said, he found Chop bleeding on the floor. He held the dog in his arms for nearly an hour until Chop died.
Ong said her client’s dog was left in the bathroom but was later found about 18 feet away, which she says “doesn’t add up.”
"If he had seen Chop at that time, act aggressively at all. All he would have had to do is shut the door. Instead, it appears that he opened the door, let chop out, and then shot him 18ft away from the bathroom," said Ong.
The attorney claims the shooting was unjustified and is calling for accountability.
CBP released a statement to ABC-7 that said in part quote:
"On Sept. 9 at 7:15 a.m., a U.S. Border Patrol agent was involved in a use of force incident in El Paso, Texas during an investigation into alien smuggling at a residence. The incident involved a canine. The use of force is currently under review by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility in accordance with CBP policies. CBP takes such incidents seriously. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."
