WASHINGTON D.C.
Mexico extradited a defendant allegedly involved in the murder of an ICE special agent and the attempted murder of another ICE agent, federal officials announced today.
Four others have already plead guilty to the charges in the case.
Jose Emanuel Garcia Sota, aka Juan Manuel Maldonado Amezcua, Zafado or Safado, 34, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was charged on May 6, 2013 for the murder of ICE agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Agent Victor Avila.
The slayings occurred in Mexico.
Garcia Sota is named in a four-count indictment with one count of murder of an officer or employee of the United States; one count of attempted murder of an officer or employee of the United States; one count of attempted murder of an internationally protected person; and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.
“It has been over four and a half years since ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata valiantly lost his life and Special Agent Victor Avila suffered grave injuries when they were ambushed by gunfire while on assignment in Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell. “As evidenced by today’s announcement, the passage of time has not lessened our resolve to keep our promise to the family of Special Agent Zapata and to Special Agent Avila and his family, and bring to justice those responsible for this senseless and brutal attack. And we are grateful to the Government of Mexico for its continued partnership in this case.”
The indictment was unsealed today when Garcia Sota made his initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the District of Columbia.
Garcia Sota is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“It has been over four and a half years since ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata valiantly lost his life and Special Agent Victor Avila suffered grave injuries when they were ambushed by gunfire while on assignment in Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell.
Adding, “As evidenced by today’s announcement, the passage of time has not lessened our resolve to keep our promise to the family of Special Agent Zapata and to Special Agent Avila and his family, and bring to justice those responsible for this senseless and brutal attack. And we are grateful to the Government of Mexico for its continued partnership in this case.”
Four defendants previously pleaded guilty to offenses based on their roles in the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents:
- Julian Zapata Espinoza, aka Piolin, 34, plead guilty on May 23, 2013, to the murder of Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of Special Agent Avila.
- Ruben Dario Venegas Rivera, aka Catracho, 27, plead guilty on Aug. 1, 2011, to federal charges concerning the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila.
- Jose Ismael Nava Villagran, aka Cacho, 33, plead guilty on Jan. 4, 2012, also to federal charges concerning the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.
- Francisco Carbajal Flores, aka Dalmata, 40, plead guilty on Jan. 10, 2012, to conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and to being an accessory after the fact to the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.
As part of their guilty pleas, Espinoza, Rivera and Villagran admitted to being members of a Los Zetas hit squad and to participating directly in the Feb. 15, 2011, ambush of the two special agents.
The fourth defendant, Flores, acknowledged assisting Zetas members after the attack.
“Four years ago, on a Mexican roadside, two American heroes came under attack in a violent ambush by members of Los Zetas, a dangerous criminal cartel,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent Cohen. “Four people have already accepted responsibility for their actions, and now a fifth will be brought to an American courtroom for justice. We will not stop in the pursuit of justice – no matter how far away and how long it takes.”
“This extradition is another step closer to the justice Special Agents Zapata and Avila deserve,” said ICE Director Saldaña. “ICE is grateful to our partners whose tireless efforts brought about today’s news. Their dogged pursuit of justice, often in face of great danger, enables us to continue in our quest to make these criminals pay for their deeds. While nothing can ever truly heal such a loss, we hope today’s news brings Agent Zapata’s family and friends a measure of peace. His ultimate sacrifice will always be honored by the men and women of ICE.”
RELATED STORY: Mexico Extradites Cartel Bosses and Others to U.S.