Special Agent
End of Watch: July 24, 2023

On July 24, 2023, at the age of 67, Robert C. Castioni Jr. passed away after a courageous battle with cancer deemed to be a direct result of his brave execution of official duties at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terror attacks. SA Castioni served 33 years as a customs inspector and special agent.

Special Agent
End of Watch: June 1, 2022

On June 1, 2022, Peter "Pete" Christopher Egan died due to complications relating to COVID-19. SA Egan contracted COVID-19 while performing his officially assigned duties. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the HSI New York office. SA Egan served 26 years as a law enforcement officer.

Special Agent/Section Chief
End of Watch: August 9, 2021

Section Chief Hunter was exposed to COVID-19, August 7, 2021, while on duty at the Pacific Enforcement Response Center. On August 9, 2021, Section Chief Hunter died of COVID-19 as a result of his work-related exposure.

Special Agent
End of Watch: July 25, 2021

On July 25, 2021, James Dale "Jim" "JD" Holdman Jr. died after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the chest as a result of an accidental discharge of his service issued weapon. SA Holdman was on duty at the time of the incident inside the secured parking area of an agency leased space. At the time of his death he was assigned to the HSI Springfield, MO office. SA Holdman served 32 years as a law enforcement officer.

Special Agent
End of Watch: December 22, 2020

Special Agent Harris was exposed to COVID-19, December 2, 2020, while on duty in Meridian, MS. On December 22, 2020 Special Agent Harris died of COVID-19 as a result of his work-related exposure.

Special Agent
End of Watch: November 27, 2020

Special Agent Louis H. Aguirre died as a result of the cancer he developed after his assignment investigating those who were responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Special Agent
End of Watch: October 27, 2018

Special Agent Dennis P. McCarthy died as the result of cancer he developed after his assignment to evidence recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and Fresh Kills landfill, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Special Agent
End of Watch: June 24, 2018

While on official assignment in Indonesia in May 2018, Special Agent Timothy A. Ensley contracted dengue fever, which led to the multi-organ failure that caused his death. Ensley was in Indonesia conducting joint investigations and providing training to Indonesian National Police related to child exploitation investigations.

Special Agent
End of Watch: March 26, 2017

Special Agent Thomas M. Wischerth died as the result of cancer he developed after his assignment to evidence recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and Fresh Kills landfill, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Special Agent
End of Watch: January 24, 2016

Special Agent J. Scott McGuire died from injuries he sustained when struck by a vehicle while working in Miami, Florida, nine days earlier. McGuire and his partner were entering a taxi cab when an impaired driver hopped the curb and struck both agents. Both agents were transported to the hospital; McGuire succumbed to his injuries January 24, 2016. The suspect left the scene and was later apprehended by authorities.

Special Agent
End of Watch: July 28, 2013

Special Agent Robert T. Williams died as the result of cancer he developed after his assignment to evidence recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and Fresh Kills landfill, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Special Agent
End of Watch: October 15, 2012

Special Agent Edward J. Smith died as the result of cancer he developed after his assignment to evidence recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and Fresh Kills landfill, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Special Agent
End of Watch: February 15, 2011

Special Agent Jaime Jorge Zapata and Special Agent Victor Avila were driving between Monterrey and Mexico City February 15, 2011, when gunmen stopped their car and opened fire on both agents. Zapata was fatally shot; Avila was seriously wounded in the attack but recovered from his injuries. Zapata joined ICE in 2006. He was assigned to the Deputy Special Agent in Charge office in Laredo, Texas, where he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit, as well as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST).

As an agent with the Laredo BEST, Zapata volunteered for a detail assignment in Mexico City to assist with narcotics investigations. He was assigned to the ICE Attaché Office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and served there only a week before he was killed. Zapata began his federal law enforcement career with the Department of Homeland Security as a member of the U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, Arizona. Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Zapata graduated from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge
End of Watch: March 11, 2005

Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Gray Wilhelm, assigned to the Atlanta Special Agent in Charge office, was killed March 11, 2005, after he was ambushed at his residence by fugitive Brian G. Nichols. Nichols escaped from police custody at the Fulton County Courthouse hours earlier, having shot and killed Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, Deputy Sheriff Hoyt Teasley and Court Stenographer Julie Ann Brandau, in addition to shooting and severely injuring Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Cynthia Hall.

After identifying Wilhelm as a federal agent, Nichols shot Wilhelm, then stole Wilhelm's badge, credentials, service weapon and vehicle before proceeding to take a woman and her small child hostage. Captured March 12, 2005, Nichols was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.