Former ICE Agent Victor Avila Challenges Rep. Tony Gonzales in Texas Amid GOP Censure

Victor Avila (ex-ICE agent) is challenging Rep. Tony Gonzales, (R.Texas), during the upcoming election.

Avila announced his candidacy on Twitter Monday. His appearances in media and work in legislation have helped to increase his name recognition. “Agent Under Fire,” His experience as a target by Mexican cartel hitmen.

Avila has been a frequent guest at media events as well as in political meetings, making clear his views on border security. Tucker Carlson, a retired ICE agent who was involved in border security told Avila that it is important to secure the borders. “personal” He recalled having been at the Mexican border, and he was grateful.

“I’ve worked on the border. I was born and raised there,” Avila said. “I was attacked, and Jaime Zapata lost his life … right next to me, while we were on assignment in Mexico.”

Gonzales was also in the news on Saturday, when the Republican Party of Texas censured Gonzales for his position on gun legislation, same sex marriage and voting against the House Rules package.

Because of Gonzales’ support for the Texas GOP executive committee, the overwhelming majority of Texas GOP members voted to censure him. “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” In the summer 2022, red flag laws were subsidized.

He supported the Respect for Marriage Act which required that the federal government recognize same-sex married couples.

The state GOP also criticized the lawmaker’s failure to support the Border Safety and Security Act of Twenty-23.

Gonzales was the only Republican to vote in January against House Rules Package brought in by new Republican majority.

“The Republican Party of Texas officially censured Representative Tony Gonzales today, imposing the full set of penalties allowed by the rules, for lack of fidelity to Republican principles and priorities,” The Texas GOP released a press statement.

Avila’s Credentials

Avila is a former Supervisory Special Agent who was previously employed with Homeland Security Investigations, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security division.

ICE is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration, border control and customs laws.

During his tenure as a special agent at the El Paso field office and as an assistant attaché assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez—as well as U.S. embassies situated in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico City—Avila earned recognition from both ICE and HSI for his exceptional service and professional accomplishments.

Gonzales was not available for comment by The Epoch Times.