Federal agents fatally shot a family’s restrained dog during a home search, sparking outrage over unchecked government power and raising fresh concerns about law enforcement accountability.

Border Patrol Shooting Sparks National Outrage Over Law Enforcement Conduct

On September 9, 2025, Border Patrol agents arrived at Seth Daw’s El Paso home, acting on an anonymous tip about alleged alien smuggling. Daw, a law-abiding citizen, fully cooperated, securing his seven-year-old Rottweiler, Chop, in the bathroom and warning agents about the dog’s location. While Daw retrieved his ID outside, an agent entered the home, released Chop, and shot the restrained dog. Chop died in Daw’s arms after nearly an hour of suffering, with agents reportedly refusing to assist. This tragic event has ignited a firestorm of criticism from constitutional conservatives who view such unchecked federal actions as an affront to individual liberty and property rights.

NEW🚨An El Paso family is seeking justice after they said their dog was killed by Border Patrol agents, calling the act "senseless, cruel, and entirely avoidable." 📷: Family of Seth Daw & We Rate Dogs via Instagram https://t.co/VXdhAf26fE #BorderPatrol #DogShot pic.twitter.com/9b1P94Evpn

— KFOX14 News (@KFOX14) October 17, 2025

The agents’ actions were set against a backdrop of heightened border enforcement and ongoing frustration with federal overreach. Notably, the agents were in plain clothes rather than uniforms, an unusual choice for such operations in border communities. The tip that prompted the raid was later revealed to be tied to previous homeowners, casting doubt on the quality of federal intelligence and protocols. The Daw family’s attorney called the shooting “abuse of power,” emphasizing that Chop was secured and posed no threat. This incident exemplifies the risks posed when government agents act on questionable information without proper verification, undermining public trust and due process.

WeRateDogs Amplifies Public Scrutiny and Criticism

National attention surged after WeRateDogs, a social media account with millions of followers, shared the story and condemned the agents, breaking from its usual lighthearted content. The post garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, urging Americans not to open their doors to immigration officials and calling agents “losers.” While the post contained a factual error—misidentifying the agents as ICE rather than CBP—the core message resonated with citizens alarmed by federal power overreach. This episode illustrates how influential platforms can rapidly shape public opinion, especially when government actions appear to contradict conservative values of limited government, family protection, and property rights.

The Daw family’s pursuit of justice has entered the legal arena, filing an SF-95 federal claim against the government for Chop’s death. According to established procedures, the government has six months to respond before the family may file a lawsuit. Meanwhile, CBP has acknowledged the incident and initiated an internal investigation, but no findings or disciplinary actions have been made public. The family has documented physical evidence, including video of a blood trail through the home, reinforcing their account and fueling demands for transparency and accountability.

Government Accountability, Constitutional Rights, and Implications for Policy

This incident raises critical questions for American conservatives: What safeguards exist to prevent federal agents from abusing power during home searches? How robust are accountability mechanisms when citizens’ rights and property are violated? The Daw case highlights the need for reform in Border Patrol protocols, improved verification of anonymous tips, and clear standards for use of force—especially against animals. It also underscores the importance of upholding Fourth Amendment protections, respecting homeowners who cooperate with law enforcement, and maintaining the integrity of constitutional rights.

We Rate Dogs slams border agents for allegedly shooting dog https://t.co/0vEtS9tR04 pic.twitter.com/CRi9VaJhAU

— Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) October 16, 2025

As the internal investigation continues, the broader implications for law enforcement relations and government overreach remain front and center. The power imbalance between federal agents and private citizens, especially in border regions, is a growing concern for those who value individual liberty, family safety, and constitutional protections. Social media’s role in amplifying such stories ensures that violations are seen and debated nationwide, reinforcing calls for transparency and reform. Conservatives watching this case should demand clear answers, uphold accountability, and refuse to tolerate government actions that erode trust and threaten American values.

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El Paso Family Seeks Justice After Border Patrol Allegedly Killed Their Dog During Search

We Rate Dogs slams border agents for allegedly shooting dog

We Rate Dogs slams border agents for allegedly shooting dog