Murdered Border Patrol Agent Rosas has criminal lab named in his honor

San Diego’s Kaplan College named its newest criminal justice training lab after fallen Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas who was brutally murdered by illegal immigrants jumping the U.S. border fence on July 23, 2009.

In true compassionate fashion, Kaplan College honored Agent Rosas along with a group of 75 family members, friends, law enforcement officers and Border Patrol Agents in attendance. The new lab includes a Firearms Training Simulator (FATS) system where law enforcement officers can practice the variety of lethal threat situations officers may face in the real world.

“Our campus is honored to commemorate Agent Robert Rosas’ service and sacrifice. We feel very privileged to have our Criminal Justice Training Lab bear his name,” said Kevin Prehn, Kaplan College president.

Amy Thompson-Smith, the Criminal Justice Program director said, “Kaplan College is sincerely honored to dedicate the lab to the memory and sacrifice of Agent Rosas.” She expressed her pleasure that the lab will have a hand in improving and honing the training of future law enforcement personnel.

“This sends a message of respect and gratitude to those that serve our country with honor everyday,” Agent Rosas’ sister Arlene Brambilia said.

“Kaplan College’s decision to dedicate this lab in Robert’s name is a blessing and honor to all of us,” said Rosalie Rosas, Agent Rosas’ wife. “When our children are a little older, I will bring them here to share the honor you left in our hearts.”

John Kolacinski, the Regional VP of Operations at Kaplan, thanked Ms. Rosas and presented to her a combined $10,000 scholarship for her two children should they attend Kaplan College in the future.

After the ceremony the group proceeded into the lab where the college unveiled the plaque of dedication, which included a portrait of Agent Robert Rosas and was inscribed with the words, “In honor of your ultimate sacrifice and dedication to your family and country.”

While the ceremony was a testament to the dedication Border Patrol agents in the San Diego region, the dedication was bittersweet.

Agent Rosas murder is mired is uncertainly after weeks of police work, a 17-year-old Mexican National, Christian Daniel Castro-Alvarez surrendered in August at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the FBI who took the lead in this case.

"The guilty plea makes it clear that those who harm our brave men and women in uniform will be swiftly brought to justice and punished," said Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. "I am confident that any others involved in Agent Rosas' tragic death will also be held responsible."

However much remains unknown regarding the murder of Agent Rosas. First the 17-year-old Mexican national was rushed into court on a Friday afternoon without the watchful eyes of the local media.

There was also blood evidence taken at the scene of the murder and no word as to if the blood DNA matching Castro-Alvarez. Curiously there has been little media outreach from Law Enforcement officials and no formal press conferences explaining how they got their man.

“My fellow agents will not believe that the individual claiming to have been involved in the murder of Agent Rosas is the murderer or even involved until substantial evidence corroborates his claims,” said a fellow Border Patrol Agent. “We have a unique mission different than any other law enforcement agency. We stand between you and the worlds desperate who desire to enter this nation by any means necessary. I'm surprised that more of us aren't dead.”

Surprising indeed.

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