The Case of José Antonio Elena Rodríguez

The USA/Mexico Border (Nogales, AZ)
photo by Ryan Bavetta

This week’s New York Times Magazine has in-depth coverage of an October 2012 shooting by Border Patrol agents in Nogales, Arizona across the border and into Mexico.

Sixteen year old José Antonio Elena Rodríguez was hit by the shots. Ten times. He did not survive.

The official story that emerged following the shooting was that José Antonio was a “rock thrower” who posed a danger to the Border Patrol agents.

Video from the border security cameras showed something altogether different. A Border Patrol agent shot at least 13 rounds into Mexico (reloading after 12) and for no apparent reason.

José Antonio’s family fought to uncover the truth surrounding his death. They sought help from the consulate. And they pursued legal action – a civil suit in the U.S. against the shooter.

On the U.S. side of the border, Internal Affairs within Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice began investigating the case. Three years into the investigation, the responsible agent, Lonnie Ray Swartz, was ultimately indicted for murder. He has pled not guilty.

The civil and criminal actions are ongoing.

-KitJ