Dates: 1978 -November 17, 2022
The Tragedy:
Marine Interdiction Agent Michel Maceda tragically lost his life during a maritime operation aimed at intercepting narcotics on November 17, 2022, in Puerto Rico. Along with two other Marine Interdiction Agents, a vessel was intercepted that was suspected to be carrying illicit drugs. Upon attempting to board the vessel, one of its occupants opened fire on the agents resulting in a shootout which led to all three agents and both suspects sustaining injuries.
The United States Coast Guard transported the agents to a medical facility in Puerto Rico for treatment, but Agent Maceda’s injuries proved to be fatal. However, his efforts contributed to the recovery of over 1,300 kilograms of cocaine from the initial vessel and another vessel that was intercepted nearby.
Agent Maceda had served with the United States Customs and Border Protection- Air and Marine Operations for seven years.
More info:
washingtonexaminer : US border agent killed in line of duty
The Service:
Upon the return of Agent Maceda to South Florida, he was received with a water cannon salute and full honors at Miami International Airport.
On May 16, 2023 Agent Maceda was honored in Washington D.C. at the CBP’s and was added to the Valor Memorial along with eight other fallen heroes. CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller spoke at the ceremony, “Rare is the individual who confronts danger to help others, so that others can be safe and secure. That, however, defines every CBP agent and officer we honor today.” Maceda was remembered as loving to fish, working on his cars and boats, and listening to salsa music while cooking for his family.
The ceremony included a wreath laying with a whit erose for each of the fallen, a flag folding ceremony, presentation of colors, and a ceremonial march by the CBP’s Pipes and Drum Corps.
More info:
local10 : CBP agent killed in Puerto Rico returns to heroes salute
southtexascommunitynews : CBP gathers to honor nine lost in the line of duty
The Justice:
The suspects in this case included Osvaldo Hernandez- Camacho, Edgardo Luis Matos-Santos, and Joseamid Vazquez-Torres. Torres was also killed during the incident, but the other two assailants are currently facing between ten years to a life sentence in prison. This process is ongoing and is a joint effort between the federal grand jury in Puerto Rico, the FBI, CBP, DEA, USPIS, HIS and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Santos and Camacho both already had charges for trafficking cocaine against them starting in 2021.
More info:
cbp.gov : Federal Grand Jury indicts two defendants
Delivery:
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