Coming to PALC on February 19, 2024

ICE Agent and Author “Agent Under Fire”

VICTOR AVILA is a retired Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety. Mr. Avila has been recognized by ICE and HSI for his exemplary service and professional accomplishments while serving as Special Agent at the El Paso Field Office and as an Assistant Attaché assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez and U.S. Embassies located in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico City. Mr. Avila served as an accredited diplomat and liaison to the aforementioned governments conducting international complex criminal investigations in a wide range of violations such as narcotics trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking/smuggling, financial violations, commercial fraud, and counter-terrorism.

The book Agent Under Fire by author Victor Avila is the true-life story of Avila and his partner SA Jaime Zapata while on official assignment in Mexico, Special Agent Avila suffered multiple gunshot wounds and survived a violent ambush by the Mexican Los Zetas drug cartel where Special Agent Jaime Zapata tragically lost his life.

Mr. Avila has been recognized for Excellence in Law Enforcement by the ICE Hispanic Agents Association; The Director’s Award for Operation in Plain Sight in Mexico; Homeland Security Investigations Excellence in Public Service Award; The Valor Award by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Medal of Valor for Outstanding Bravery by the National Latino Peace Officers Association; the Medal of Valor by the Hispanic American Command Officers Association (HAPCOA); and the NYPD Heroism Award by the Global Alliance of Hispanic Law Enforcement Professionals.

Mr. Avila began his very successful law enforcement career as a United States Probation Officer for the U.S. Courts and as a District Parole Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso while focusing on the identity among Hispanic-Americans along the border.

Today, he serves to honor the memory and the dedicated service of SA Jaime Zapata. Mr. Avila is an advocate for border security, immigration reform, human trafficking awareness, and the protection of our sovereignty.

Victor announced his candidacy for US Congress in June 2023 for the 23rd congressional district.

Mr. Avila has been featured on Fox News, Newsmax, i24News, Univision, OANN, and various Radio and Podcast interviews.