"Victor Avila is a true patriot and hero. His story takes you on a journey through the lens of an immigration officer and the challenges and struggles they face at our southern border. Readers will be humbled by the sacrifices Victor and Jamie Zapata made to protect this country"
"Former ICE Special Agent Victor Avila's story of survival and courage is a harrowing must read. His dedication to obtaining justice for his partner, Jaime Zapata, who was murdered just inches away while on assignment in Mexico, is honorable and a reflection of his character. The government coverup of what happened and their retaliation against him for telling the truth in a unforgivable. You won't be able to put this book down."
"Long after police identified the Mexican cartel hit men who attacked Special Agent Victor Avila and his partner, Jaime Zapata, in 2011 - the mystery lingered as to why their supervisors sent them, unprotected, on what was virtually a suicide mission. In Agent Under Fire, Avila deconstructs the nightmare that took his partner's life and robbed him of his health and career, and digs into the larger questions about the complicated U.S. Mexico relationship, drugs, and illegal immigration. "
"Avila puts us next to him on the pavement of Mexico's Highway 57, staring evil in the eye, glass shattering, lead flying, shell casing tumbling through the air, the blood of two federal agents spilled by a vicious drug cartel."
"Victor Avila is a true American hero. His story is a must read for anyone who wants to know the truth about the risks and battles on the US/Mexican border. After being attacked by drug cartels, fighting for his life and being abandoned by his own government, Victor's love of country remains intact and is an inspiration for all."
"The story of Victor Avila and Jaime Zapata may possibly be the most riveting, yet covered up tragedy in recent history. Yet, few Americans have ever heard of what should be known as 'the Mexican Benghazi.' The implication of Avila's accusation is terrifying and reverberates across those very government agencies to this very day. Avila's story is so important because if this cover-up is allowed to continue, other patriotic federal agents serving in volatile theaters will remain at risk, the lives relegated to that of pawns in a chess game of political correctness."
This is an absolutely MUST READ real life recounting by a stellar legendary agent. His vivid encounters with the violent Mexican cartels, corrupt politicians and governments will evoke a range of emotions from fear, anger, distrust contempt, doubt, relief and pride. So well written, the realism draws you in, you are with Victor in his home life and in his work, you are not a spectator, you are his partner, you are there! Get this book for yourself and for your closest friends, they will thank you for the incredible gift.
Excellent book Victor. All should read this to get an insight, that's from one of the field agents who has been there and done that. One of the better parts of this book is what is actually happening on our borders with the Drugs, Cartels and Illegal Alien war by someone that worked it; and not some biased MSS or "upper management" REMF.
Your account of the ambush was intense and as real as you can get.
How management treated you is a disgrace.
This book tells an extraordinary story of a man who served his country. Victor Avila will have you turning pages well into the night wondering, "How could this happen?"
Thank you for your service Victor Avila and thank you for putting it on paper.
The story is well written and the author’s ideas on policy make a lot of sense. A must-read for anyone interested in the conflict occurring at our border.
Agent Under Fire” is a true story of heroism, honor and the heart. SA Victor Avila and SA Jamie Zapata were targeted for assassination by the Zetas cartel in Mexico. They were ambushed, forced off the road and shot at over 200 times. Avila barely survived and Zapata gave all due to his wounds. From that point on, the fight for justice began and continues among corruption, malice and mistreatment. If you are a law enforcement officer, this book should be required reading. If not, for anyone that doubts the violence in Mexico, read on.
An amazing story of heroism and honesty. This book starts with the author’s transition and desire to want better for his children and country and displays his exemplary commitment to the United States government. This is a story of a man whose voice and truth could not be silenced, whose dedication to his family is relentless, and who continues to display an unwavering commitment to justice.
Victor Avila’s ‘Agent Under Fire’ is available at all top book retailers and directly from the publishers at Liberty Publishing.