In Memory of Officer Roel De La Fuente

CBP Officer’s End of Watch from COVID-19

Officer Roel De La Fuente, 49, of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, died of complications from COVID-19 on Monday, July 13, 2020, at Mission Regional Hospital in Mission. De La Fuente was exposed to the virus at the Pharr Commercial Facility in Hidalgo County, Texas. Officer De La Fuente had served with the United States Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations for 19 years. He is survived by his wife Yadira; his son- Adrian; his daughter- Valerie; his brother- Saul (Alicia); his nieces- Brianna, Ashley, and his nephew- Andres.

A Family Man

Raul and Celerina (Morales) De La Fuente welcomed Roel to McAllen, Texas, on January 5, 1971. Roel made roots in McAllen for 29 years and became a resident of Mission for the past 20 years. For the past 19 years, Roel was employed with the US Customs and Border Protection. Roel was a family man, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coworker, and friend. He loved spending time with his wife, Yadira, and his children, Adrian and Valerie. He had a love of fishing since he was a young boy. He enjoyed dancing, going to the movies, and taking road trips with the family. He truly loved and wanted to be involved with his children’s sports and even coached their teams on occasion. Being adept at solving problems, he would always volunteer to help people in anything he could.

Final Visitation for Officer Roel De La Fuente took place on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen, Texas. The CBP Honor guard gave Roel his honors outside the funeral home following the ceremony of life service.

Memories and Well Wishes

Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan, from Customs and Border Protection, said on his Twitter page, “We mourn the loss of CBP officer Roel De La Fuente. Officer De La Fuente began his career with CBP in 2001, serving honorably for 19 years at the Port of Hidalgo. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will never be forgotten.”

According to Lady Patriots Volleyball (@LadyPatriotsVB), “Roel De La Fuente was the father of ex-Lady Patriot and current Victoria College setter, Val De La Fuente. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family and of the deceased. Today our Lady Patriot family lost a great Dad and friend. Roel, we had some great memories, RIP, my friend.”

Sal De La Fuenta, Officer Roel’s brother, shared his grief along with a warning. “As I sit wondering why is this happening to my family today, I lost my baby brother Roel De La Fuente, whom I love dearly. If anyone out there doesn’t want to take COVID-19 seriously – it is real. I have found my peace today with God. I remember when we were kids. I told my brother I would take care of you. Our father passed away on us when we were very young, and my mother worked to support us in the orange packing sheds. Well, I pushed my brother to the limit, and he obtained his degree in criminal justice, and he became what he is today, of which I am so proud of him and become a customs agent. Little brother, if you can hear me, you are my hero. I love you, and I will meet up with you sometime in the near future love your big brother Sal De La Fuente over and out.”