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His friend of 20 something years is gone, shot to death on a Mexican highway.

Just days after his highly publicized burial, a man we'll call “Joseph” is ready to talk about slain U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcment (ICE) agent Jaime Zapata's death.

Joseph said Zapata'a family is coping with news that 11 people have been arrested and other developments in the case. 

"I think they do have faith in the government of Mexico," Joseph said. "Obviously with our help, we can't solely rely on the Mexican Government. I think they (Zapata’s family) do have faith that these people will be brought to justice."

Joseph obviously does not want to reveal his identity because not only does he hate the people who killed his dear friend, he fears them even though Mexican authorities report that several people have been arrested for Zapata's murder.

The family continues to mourn with each passing day.

"I don't know if there is ever going to be a closure to this because it's an ongoing battle," Joseph said. "The cartel members are fighting each other all the time. I don't know if there is ever going to be closure or end to this. Their (Zapata’s family) reaction to them catching him is okay that’s one let's see what's next."

Joseph's last conversation with Zapata was nearly 4 weeks ago when the agent was getting ready to head into Mexico.

“He was looking forward to it, he was really looking forward to the trip," he recalled.

Joseph also made a statement about comments left by some on the Action 4 News Facebook page and valleycentral.com saying Zapata should not be labeled a hero.

"He was a hero," Joseph said. "No, he didn't fight in Afghanistan, but he was protecting our borders, our nation, in other ways than being in the military.So yes, he is a hero and anyone who says otherwise is dead wrong."