ICE branded as 'losers' for allegedly shooting dog as family issues heartbreaking statement

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been branded as 'losers' for allegedly shooting a dog in a 'use of force incident' with the family now issuing a truly heartbreaking statement on the matter.

According to the family, who hail from El Paso in Texas, a Border Patrol agent unjustifiably shot and killed their beloved pet dog, a Rottweiler named Chop, last month (9 September).

KFOX14 spoke with the father of the family, who wished to remain anonymous, who claimed that Border Patrol agents in jeans and t-shirts showed up at his son's home looking for migrants after receiving a tip.

His son then promptly answered the door and, while he allowed the agents to search his home, claiming he had nothing to hide, he did request they wait outside for a few moments while he put Chop in the bathroom, explaining that the pooch could be aggressive to strangers.

The agents then asked the son if he could show them some kind of ID and, according to the grieving family, it was at this point that he went to his vehicle parked outside the home to retrieve it when the agent entered the home.

As a result, he ended up shooting Chop.

"The family stressed that the agents knew - the son had told them - that Chop was put in the bathroom for their safety and that the agents opened the door, let Chop out and shot him," KFOX14 reports.

The family explained that they had been following orders the entire time and trying to be upstanding citizens, only for an agent to kill 'a family member'.

They added that none of the agents present attempted to help them as they desperately tried to tend to Chop, who heartbreakingly bled to death on the kitchen floor.

According to the outlet, the family also claimed that the agent who shot their dog then 'hid from them and refused to give his name'.

They are now reportedly looking to pursue legal action.

The news has recently gained traction despite the tragedy taking place a month ago after social media page, We Rate Dogs, shared the story.

The Facebook post in question, which was posted earlier this week (14 October), reads: "This is Chop. He was shot and killed by masked assailants in plain clothes who go by ICE. They showed up at his door 'looking for migrants after receiving a tip'.

"The son of the family asked if they could wait before entering the home while he put Chop away in the bathroom, as the dog can be aggressive with strangers. According to the family, it is at this point that the son went to his pickup truck to retrieve his ID and a Border Patrol agent entered the home, opened the bathroom door, and shot Chop."

The shocking post continued to claim: "None of the agents helped the family, who desperately tried to render aid to Chop, as he bled to death on the kitchen floor.

"Unsurprisingly, the agent who shot their dog then hid from them and refused to give his name. Even more unsurprising, they did not find any evidence of the migrants they were there to terrorise in the first place."

It rounded off, urging others: "Do not open your door for these fucking losers. Rest easy Chop."

Parts of the above message were also shared on We Rate Dog's Instagram account, which boasts nearly five million followers, yesterday (15 October).

Both posts have since racked up hundreds of thousands of reactions with many rushing in to slam ICE for the heartbreaking ordeal.

"Dudes cosplaying 'agents' are kidnapping people and shooting dogs. I hate it here," lamented one social media user.

A second penned: "We are in the bad place. RIP Chop."

"Living in the US seems like a goddamn nightmare," echoed a third while a fourth advised: "I'm begging everyone, never let law enforcement into your home without a warrant. RIP Chop, you deserved better."

Another feared: "This is what domestic terrorism looks like in America. I feel so terrified and outraged for this brave young man and his family. 100/10 doggo."

And a final person praised: "Thank you for posting about this. When we say nothing, it’s easier for evil to win. Dogs deserve better."

Customs and Border Patrol's full statement to KFOX14 reads: "On Sept. 9 at 7:15 a.m., a U.S. Border Patrol agent was involved in a use of force incident in El Paso, Texas during an investigation into alien smuggling at a residence.

"The incident involved a canine. The use of force is currently under review by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility in accordance with CBP policies. CBP takes such incidents seriously.

"We will provide additional information as it becomes available."

Tyla has reached out to Customs and Border Patrol for further comment.