Suspect caught in U.S. agent's killing

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The Mexican Ministry of Defense says one suspect in the shooting death of a U.S. customs agent has been captured in a military operation.

Azteca Noticias and Proceso.com reported the arrest but gave no details and did not identify the suspect.

Jaime Zapata, an agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was killed Jan. 15 in a shootout on a highway in San Louis Potosi.

U.S. President Barack Obama phoned Mexican President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa Wednesday evening and thanked him for Mexico's efforts to bring to justice those responsible for killing Zapata, the White House said.

"The president said neither the United States nor Mexico could tolerate violence against those who serve and protect our citizens, as Special Agent Zapata did so selflessly through his own life," the White House statement said, adding Obama said he looked forward to Calderon's visit to the White House March 3 to discuss the two countries' bilateral relationship and global issues.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said news of the arrest was welcomed by the United States and she promised continued U.S. assistance "to ensure that all those responsible for Special Agent Zapata's murder face justice."

"We will also continue our vigorous and coordinated efforts to defeat the criminal organizations operating in Mexico that seek to exploit our shared border," she said. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with Agent Zapata's family, his friends, and his colleagues."

At the funeral in Brownsville, Texas, Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in prepared remarks, "I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and contributions that defined -- and distinguished -- the life of Special Agent Jaime Zapata. ... May he rest in peace."

Zapata's partner, Victor Avila, was wounded in the leg and attended Zapata's U.S. funeral in a wheelchair.