Death at the Border: How CBP Agents Urged Mexican Teen to Drink the Liquid Meth That Killed Him

Newly released video footage shows U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents telling 16-year-old Mexican teenager Cruz Velazquez to drink from a bottle of liquid methamphetamine at a border checkpoint in San Diego, causing him to die from an acute drug overdose. In 2013, the teenager was crossing from Tijuana to California with two bottles of what he claimed was apple juice. The video shows the border agents, who suspected the liquid was liquid meth, repeatedly encouraging the teenager to drink from it and prove he wasn’t lying. Minutes after the teenager sipped on the liquid, his body began convulsing, and he began shouting "my heart" in Spanish. He passed away shortly after. The agents only tested the liquid after Cruz took several sips and began overdosing. The officers were never disciplined. Critics say Velazquez’s case is just the latest example of rampant abuse and mistreatment by border agents. We speak with John Carlos Frey, two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker. His new investigation is titled "Life and Death at the Border." The project was conducted in partnership with ABC’s "20/20."

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs weekdays on nearly 1,400 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9AM ET: https://democracynow.org

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 61

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Nas
Wednesday, Nov 5 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, SF

Raekown & Mobb Deep
Saturday, Nov 15 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

How the Grouch Stole Christmas
Friday, Dec 5 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Atmosphere
Friday, Feb 13 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
2 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted videos
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

DJ QUIK WITH BAND at YOSHI'S, OAKLAND

December 26, 2025 at 8pm to December 28, 2025 at 11:30pm
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DEC 26-28DJ QUIK WITH BANDYoshi's 510 Embarcadero West,Oakland, CA 94607>> BUY TICKETS…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Sentury’s “Forever” Lands on Billboard’s Top R&B Songs of 2025

R&B chart topping group Sentury continue their Billboard run as “Forever” climbs to #13 on the R&B Airplay chart and lands on Billboard’s Top R&B Songs of 2025! The track’s sustained growth reflects real listener connection – a slow-burn Grown Man R&B record anchored by pristine harmonies, live instrumentation, and timeless romance.Following their…See More
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted blog posts
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Dec 13
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Dec 12

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service