Jose “Joey” D. Barraza

US Border Patrol Agent Jose “Joey” D. Barraza of the Texas Border Patrol was driving home from his shift at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint along with his K9 at 7:30 am on April 18, 2016 when his truck slammed into the rear of a tractor/trailer. Agent Barraza did not survive the crash. His K9 Vino and the driver of the semi-truck were unharmed.

Barraza was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and lived for a time in Arizona and California. The family settled in El Paso, Texas, when he was about 10 years old. After his parents’ divorce, he was raised by his mother and his Nana, along with his younger brother and sister. He adored his grandmother, as well as his wife’s uncle, Fidel Mendoza, who he looked up to as an adult. When he was young, he enjoyed playing football, riding his bike and cooking. He was interested in law enforcement and the medical field from a young age.

Barraza met his future wife, Donna, in freshman year of High School. He became a Border Patrol Agent on August 8, 2008 at the age of 21. He was also an EMT and became a K9 handler with the Border Patrol. He was a proud member of the Honor Guard. He loved saving lives and partaking in any opportunities that arose. Donna and Barraza had two children, Jose “Joey” Jr. and Joshua. Barraza loved being a Dad to his two sons. They were his world and he did everything with them, from haircuts to camping, fishing, traveling and baseball. He was the most selfless person and anyone who met him said he had a great heart. Barraza was all about family, the people in his life and his career.

Donna is involved in all her children’s activities and volunteers in her community. She is also involved with the Border Patrol Agent Family Network.

US Border Patrol Agent Jose “Joey” D. Barraza is survived by his wife, Donna, and sons, Jose “Joey” Jr. and Joshua.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Barraza family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.