BONILLA HONORS CHIEF GARZA FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

Applauds dedication to stronger border security

WASHINGTON, DC – Today in Marfa, Congressman Henry Bonilla honored Customs and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Marfa Sector Chief Patrol Agent Simon Garza, Jr. for his years of service.

"It is my pleasure to pay tribute to a great American who will soon formally end his lifelong career of service to our Nation, Chief Patrol Agent Simon Garza, Jr.," said Bonilla. "Chief Garza has spent his entire career fighting to secure our borders and ensure our freedoms."

Born in Laredo, Chief Garza began his career of service after studying engineering at the University of Houston. He served in the United States Army, including two tours in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. In 1975 he joined the United States Border Patrol as a member of the 10th Session at Port Isabel, Texas. After graduation from the Border Patrol Academy, he received his first assignment in his home State in the Del Rio Sector. After much hard work and determination, Chief Garza was promoted in 1985 to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. By 1990 he was again promoted to Patrol Agent in Charge, and by 1994 he was part of the senior staff at the Del Rio Sector Headquarters, serving as Assistant Chief Patrol Agent.

One year later Chief Garza's leadership role dramatically expanded when he was named Deputy Chief of the United States Border Patrol in Washington, D.C. There he represented the Border Patrol across the world, including in the Middle East, where he shared his valuable insight and experience with foreign leaders and governments. After serving in Washington, DC, Chief Garza returned back to the field to lead the Marfa Sector as Chief Patrol Agent. During his tenure as Chief Patrol Agent, Chief Garza has modernized his sector to respond to the growing threats to our national security by utilizing mission-oriented technology and transitioning the Sector Intelligence Unit to a pro-active organization. Day in and day out, Chief Garza and his well-trained staff put their lives on the line to tirelessly work to protect our country.

"I am proud to commend my good friend - and a hero to our Nation - Chief Simon Garza, Jr., for his distinguished and honorable career," said Bonilla. "His straightforward and unwavering leadership will be greatly missed. Congratulations on a job well done, Chief."

Co-chair of the Congressional Border Caucus and Vice-Chair of the U.S./Mexico Caucus, Bonilla has been a leader for several years promoting stronger security along the Texas/Mexico border. Having more than 700 miles of Texas/Mexico border in his district, Bonilla regularly tours the border and meets with those who are working to protect it.

"A few years ago, the only people who worried about border security were those living on the border, but times have changed. The rest of our nation is now finally beginning to understand the magnitude of the problem we have faced for years," said Bonilla. "I would like to thank my friend, Chief Garza, and the numerous brave men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis so that we may be safe."

Henry has represented Marfa and the 23rd Congressional District since 1992. He currently serves as chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and is a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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