Thomas DeRouchey was an interim special agent charged with dismantling violent criminal operations associated with immigrant smuggling.
A googled source reports on Mr. DeRouchey's own description of just how bad these people are. They had just killed four people. "This tragic incident underscores how ruthless and violent organized smuggling has become," said Thomas DeRouchey, Special Agent-in-Charge of investigations in Phoenix. "The smugglers' only motive is money. They don't care about the human cost. " (November 5, 2003)
I don't know the outcome. Has it been proven beyond doubt that he "blew his brains out - while driving?"
Consider the consequences of a shooting death of a federal marshall in Idaho. Dozens of federal agents were dispatched with "rules of engagement" that authorized shooting any adult that moved -- even if they were holding an infant.
Ditto Waco, Texas.
Now this. No gun battle. Just a federal a agent who "blew his brains out - while driving?"
Dozens of federal agents send condolences to family and friends of Mr. DeRouchey.
"Friends and family of an INS special agent say they are baffled by Thomas DeRouchey's suicide," says another googled source. (March 19, 2004)
They are not alone.
Official story goes that he was on his way to DMAFB for press conference with Hutchinson. There were witnesses who said he was doing 75-80, but have never seen their names identified in the papers.
I do know that there were significant increases in apprehensions the first quarter of 2004 for the below sectors:
A 51% increase occurred along the east and central Arizona border, coupled with a 60% increase along the southwestern Arizona border and a 38% increase in San Diego.
(Sources: U.S. Border Patrol sector offices, as reported in the Washington Times. San Diego data covers October 1 through April 4; El Paso covers October 1 through March 27).
map available: http://www.desertinvasion.us/invasion_pictures/invasion_map_2004jan_mar.html
ICE news 3/16/2004
Department of Homeland Security Announces Arizona Border
Control Initiative Multi-Agency Effort, Additional Resources
Added to Stem Illegal Immigration
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsreleases/articles/bordercontrol_031604.htm