By JASON MIHALICK
It was a Mother’s Day weekend Mary Zapata-Muñoz won’t soon forget.
Unlike most moms, she wasn’t able to celebrate the holiday honoring motherhood knowing that her son, Department of Homeland Security ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata, had been killed approximately two months prior on Feb. 15, 2011.
Fortunately for the Zapata family, the life of their son will always be remembered and honored.
On Saturday, May 7, 2011, off of Highway 48 just south of Port Isabel, a boat ramp was dedicated to this brave individual who his family believes to have served his country honorably and courageously. Among the crowd who came to be a part of this celebratory day were members of Zapata’s family, close friends, county officials, representatives of U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, a representative of U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold and fellow ICE and Border Patrol Agents.
Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos kicked off the event, speaking to all those who had gathered to let it be known that Saturday was all about Jaime J. Zapata.
“This is the best dedication that anyone could be a part of. We will always remember Jaime every time we launch (the boat ramp),” said Judge Cascos as he began the ceremony. The
For more on this story, pick up a copy of the May 9 edition of the Port Isabel South Padre Press or check out our E-edition by clicking here.
Comments