Border Patrol Agent Indicted for Shooting Unarmed Teen Driver

Marcos Javier Andrade faces civil rights and firearms charges for 2022 incident in Calexico

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:10am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, with the shards of glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violence of a law enforcement shooting.A recent wave of alleged Border Patrol shootings of U.S. citizens has sparked renewed concerns about the agency's use of force and accountability.San Diego Today

A federal grand jury in San Diego has indicted a U.S. Border Patrol agent on charges of violating a teen driver's civil rights and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that in 2022, Agent Marcos Javier Andrade shot an unarmed 19-year-old U.S. citizen multiple times during a traffic stop in Calexico, despite the teen posing no threat.

Why it matters

The indictment comes amid increased scrutiny of Border Patrol agents and other immigration officers for shooting U.S. citizens. This case highlights concerns about the use of force and accountability within the agency.

The details

According to the indictment, on July 11, 2022, Andrade tried to stop a minivan he suspected of smuggling undocumented immigrants. When the teen driver, identified only as A.F., failed to pull over and became stuck in traffic, Andrade allegedly pulled up next to the van, exited his vehicle, and fired eight shots at the driver, striking him in the neck, hip, shoulder, and hand. The indictment states that A.F. was unarmed and not engaged in any smuggling activity.

  • On July 11, 2022, the alleged incident occurred in Calexico, California.
  • Andrade was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego on April 3, 2026.

The players

Marcos Javier Andrade

A U.S. Border Patrol agent who has been indicted on civil rights and firearms charges for the 2022 shooting of an unarmed teen driver in Calexico.

A.F.

A 19-year-old U.S. citizen who was the unarmed driver of the minivan shot by Andrade in 2022.

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What’s next

Andrade is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges next week in U.S. District Court in San Diego.

The takeaway

This indictment highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force and accountability within the Border Patrol, as the agency faces increased scrutiny for shootings of U.S. citizens.