EDINBURG – Two border agents, one from the Rio Grande Valley, were honored Wednesday.

The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association Aguila Awards recognized ICE Special Agent Victor Avila and fallen ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata with the Gold Medal of Valor.

Zapata's mother and father were in attendance as he was honored posthumously.

On Feb. 15, 2011, Avila and Zapata were attacked by members of Los Zeta, a drug cartel, while on assignment in Mexico. Zapata suffered a fatal gunshot wound and Avila was injured in the attack.

The Gold Medal of Valor is given to those who, while on official duty, performed beyond the call, exemplifying courage and boldness.