Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have announced that their proposed legislation, the James R. Dominguez Memorial Act, has been signed into law. This new law renames a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 90 West in Uvalde County after Agent James Ray Dominguez, who died on July 19, 2012, while clearing debris near Cline, Texas.

Senator Cruz stated: “Agent Dominguez was a true patriot, a devoted family man, and an exemplary public servant. His unwavering dedication to protecting our nation will forever inspire the men and women of our Border Patrol to serve with the same courage and commitment. Naming the Border Patrol checkpoint in Uvalde in his honor is a fitting tribute to his legacy, and I am proud to join Sen. Cornyn in ensuring his memory lives on.”

Senator Cornyn added: “Agent Dominguez was a courageous officer, loving father, and devoted public servant who tragically died while working to protect his fellow Texans. I’m grateful this legislation to rename a Border Patrol checkpoint in Agent Dominguez’s honor has been signed into law, ensuring his impressive legacy as a respected agent who served his community selflessly and humbly is preserved.”

The bill was introduced by Senators Cruz and Cornyn along with Senators Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. It passed the Senate last month after being led by Representative Tony Gonzales in the House of Representatives where it passed on May 21, 2024.

Agent James Ray Dominguez had served with the U.S. Border Patrol from 2000 until his death in 2012 when he stopped to assist a stranded motorist with a flat tire on U.S. Highway 90 West near Cline, Texas. He was struck by a passing vehicle during this act of service. Assigned to the Uvalde Station in the Del Rio Sector at the time of his passing, he is survived by his wife and four children.