Border Patrol Agent Pleads Not Guilty in 2022 Calexico Shooting

Marcos Andrade faces federal charges for allegedly shooting an unarmed 19-year-old during a traffic stop.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:39am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass from a car window, the jagged edges and reflections of a faint red light conveying the violence and aftermath of a shooting incident.A violent encounter between a Border Patrol agent and a civilian driver exposes systemic issues with the use of force by law enforcement near the border.San Diego Today

A Border Patrol agent accused of shooting an unarmed 19-year-old during a 2022 attempted traffic stop in Calexico has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Marcos Andrade appeared in court on charges of deprivation of rights and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Prosecutors say Andrade shot the driver, Anthony Flores, eight times, striking him in the neck, thumb, shoulder, and hip.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by Border Patrol agents, with Andrade having previously been disciplined for firing his weapon at civilians in 2012 and 2017. Flores has filed a civil lawsuit against Andrade and the federal government, alleging he has 'lifelong disabilities, pain and trauma' from the shooting.

The details

According to the indictment, Andrade was on duty in July 2022 when he attempted to stop a minivan he suspected of human smuggling. The driver, 19-year-old Anthony Flores, was the only person in the vehicle and continued driving. At a stoplight, Andrade allegedly pulled alongside the van, partially blocking it, then got out and pointed his weapon at Flores. Prosecutors say Andrade then fired eight shots, striking Flores multiple times.

  • In July 2022, the alleged shooting incident occurred in Calexico.
  • Andrade pleaded not guilty to federal charges on April 7, 2026.
  • A hearing on Andrade's motion to dismiss Flores' civil lawsuit was held in December, but a decision has not yet been issued.

The players

Marcos Andrade

A Border Patrol agent accused of shooting an unarmed 19-year-old during a 2022 attempted traffic stop in Calexico. Andrade has previously been disciplined by Border Patrol for firing his service weapon at civilians in 2012 and 2017.

Anthony Flores

A 19-year-old who was shot eight times by Andrade during the 2022 traffic stop in Calexico. Flores survived the shooting but suffered 'lifelong disabilities, pain and trauma' and has filed a civil lawsuit against Andrade and the federal government.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Flores was driving near the border, which, if that were enough to suspect someone of alien smuggling, we all should be afraid Mr. Andrade might try to kill us in traffic.”

— Marcus Bourassa, Attorney for Anthony Flores

“This has to stop, and the reason we are seeking civil justice, as difficult as it is, is because we think that this is one of the only ways to hold individual officers accountable.”

— Tim Scott, Attorney for Anthony Flores

What’s next

Andrade is expected back in court in May for further proceedings. The judge in the civil lawsuit filed by Flores has yet to issue a decision on Andrade's motion to dismiss that case.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by Border Patrol agents, with the alleged shooter having a history of prior disciplinary incidents. It also underscores the challenges of holding individual officers accountable, as Flores' attorneys are pursuing both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit in an effort to seek justice.