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Congresswoman Escobar Asks CBP Commissioner and Border Patrol Chief for Answers on the Fatal Shooting of an El Paso Family’s Dog

Washington, D.C., November 19, 2025 | Abbey Thompson (202-225-4831)

Yesterday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, and Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks, to elevate her office’s numerous attempts to get answers on the fatal shooting of a family dog in September.  

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here.
“Commissioner Scott and Chief Banks:

"I am writing to formally request updated information about the investigation into the lethal use of force incident by a Border Patrol agent against a pet dog at a private residence in El Paso, Texas.
 
"On September 9, 2025, Border Patrol agents reportedly shot and killed Chop, a family’s seven-year-old Rottweiler, while following up on an anonymous a tip at the home. According to a statement by the homeowner, he was cooperating fully with the agents and alerted them that Chop could be difficult with strangers and would be contained to a bathroom in the home while the agents conducted their investigation. Despite this, agents allegedly entered the house while the homeowner retrieved his identification documents from his car, let Chop out of the bathroom, and shot him. Reporting indicates that the agent who shot Chop allegedly attempted to hide his face and refused to provide his name.
 
"This incident is inexcusable. A family lost their beloved dog to the actions of a Border Patrol officer, and we are still unaware of what, if anything, the agency is doing to rectify the situation or prevent a similar one from happening again.
 
"My office reached out to local El Paso CBP after receiving information about the incident on September 19th. CBP confirmed in a September 22nd response to my office that an investigation into the incident was taking place, however, our office has yet to receive any updated information on the investigation, including whether or not the agents involved in the shooting were put on leave or are still actively working.
 
"I urge CBP to provide my office with a detailed update about the investigation into this incident, including:
  1. Has CBP identified what prompted their agent to find and let Chop out of the bathroom where he had been placed for safety?
  2. Has CBP identified what prompted the officer to open fire on Chop?
  3. Did officers refuse to render assistance once Chop had been fatally shot?
  4. What steps, if any, has CBP taken to address this incident with the family?
  5. What disciplinary action will be taken against the officer who fatally shot Chop?
  6. How will CBP ensure that an incident like this does not happen again?
"Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response."
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