Part of Interstate-8 Dedicated to Slain Border Patrol Agent

Agent Robert Rosas was shot and killed near the U.S.-Mexican border in July 2009

A stretch of the Interstate-8 is now dedicated to slain Border Patrol agent Robert Rosas, Jr., who was killed in the line of duty on July 23, 2009.

Agent Rosas was killed in Campo near the U.S.-Mexican Border when he was lured into a trap by a group of men who wanted to steal a pair of his night vision goggles. The agent was shot eight times.

Two out of five suspects involved in the agent’s murder have admitted guilt, including Christian Daniel Castro-Alvarez, who was 17-years-old at the time of the killing. Castro-Alvarez is currently serving a 40-year sentence for his involvement in the case.

Agent Rosas was 30 years old at the time of his death. He left behind a wife and two children.

On Friday, representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol, Local Border Patrol 1613 Union, CalTrans, SoCal Patriots, and California State Senator Joel Anderson’s office gathered to remember Rosas by renaming of a portion of Interstate-8 between San Diego and the Imperial Valley after the agent.

Signs were placed along the interstate to identify the stretch named in Rosas’ honor. His widow and two children attended the ceremony, as well as Rosas’ extended family.

“This is a very special occasion and a fitting tribute to ensure that our Border Patrol family member and friend, Robert Rosas, is never forgotten,” said Richard Gordon of the Campo Border Patrol Station at the dedication ceremony.

Border Patrol said the signs will serve as a daily reminder to commuters of the ultimate sacrifice Rosas made in the line of duty, and of the dangers Border Patrol agents face on a daily basis.

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