Singleton Schreiber Senior Counsel Marisa Ong was recently featured in a KFOX14/CBS4 news article regarding a man's dog being fatally shot by a border patrol agent.
El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is demanding answers after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a family’s dog, Chop, during what the family says was an unfounded search of their Upper Valley home. In a formal letter, Escobar asked U.S. Customs and Border Protection leadership to explain why the agent opened the bathroom door where Chop had been safely secured, why he opened fire, whether agents refused aid, what steps have been taken with the family, and what disciplinary actions and prevention measures will follow. The family is represented by Singleton Schreiber Senior Counsel Marissa Ong, who called the shooting “senseless, cruel, and entirely avoidable.” Ong said the family seeks transparency and accountability and noted that CBP denied their request for lapel-camera footage within 24 hours. She added that they have contacted the District Attorney to consider animal cruelty charges and filed an SF-95 federal claim for damages.
According to the family, the homeowner cooperated fully, informing agents that Chop had been secured for their safety before stepping outside to retrieve his ID. Despite this, one agent allegedly entered alone, opened the bathroom door, let the dog out, and shot him. Chop reportedly suffered for nearly an hour before dying in his owner’s arms, while agents offered no help. The case has sparked widespread outrage, prompting the hashtag #JusticeForChop and national attention from major social media accounts. CBP says its Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the use-of-force incident.
