Equestrian headquarters dedicated to Latino patrolman killed after saving a woman

Los Angeles, Mar 18 The Border Patrol inaugurated a headquarters of the Equestrian Patrol Unit (HPU) of Sector El Centro (California) and dedicated it to Hispanic agent Alejandro Flores Bañuelos, who died on duty last year after saving a woman from a sandstorm, the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) reported Friday.

Flores was hit by a vehicle on March 15, 2021 while arriving at the site of a traffic accident north of Westmorland, California, that occurred during a sandstorm that caused poor visibility in the area.

The agent was the first to arrive on the scene and provided assistance to a 75-year-old woman.

At that time, the driver of a car hit both the officer and the woman's vehicle. The 35-year-old Hispanic died upon arrival at a nearby medical center, while the driver was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

For his part, the driver who caused the accident, a 64-year-old man, was not injured. Shortly before his tragic death, Flores had graduated from HPU'S basic riding course.

The family and friends of the fallen agent, as well as Border Patrol Chief Raul L. Ortiz, and federal, state and local leaders were present at the ceremony to commemorate Flores and dedicate the new facility in his honor.

The Equestrian Patrol Unit of Sector El Centro began operating in 2003 with four agents and five horses, and currently has 13 riders and 17 horses.

The primary responsibility of the unit is to patrol the Jacumba Wilderness region and the Yuha Desert, areas where vehicles are not allowed to operate.

The new facility is located next to the Calexico Border Patrol Station and has, among other things, stables, fold, washing racks and storage units for equipment, CBP noted.