Rojas was deported last week after living illegally in Encanto more for than 20 years. He was caught crossing back into the United States last Friday. San Diego Police said he fought with border agents as he was being escorted back into Mexico, when a customs and border protection officer tased Rojas. The medical examiner said Rojas later died of a heart attack at a Chula Vista hospital.

Human rights advocates called it a brutal beating.

“Everything seems to indicate that excessive force was used in this case,” said Christian Ramirez of the American Friends Service Committee.

Advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union demanded an open and transparent investigation into Roja’s death. They also said federal agents should be properly trained to deal with immigrants to avoid any future deaths.

“There are triggers for the use of force,” said Andrea Guerrero of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. “Was the appropriate level of force at play in light of the circumstances?”

The medical examiner also said methamphetamines and hypertension played a role in Rojas’ death.

When asked if Rojas may have died from a combination of methamphetamines and a heart attack instead of a brutal beating, Ramirez responded, “Well whatever, that’s what we want to make sure. ”

Advocates also called for immigration reform on the federal level. The ACLU said the only way Rojas was able to get back to his five U.S. born children was to cross the border illegally. He had no legal options.

“He broke the law to enter the country and it’s unfortunate that he was put into that Catch-22,” said Guerrero.

Border officials declined to comment on Wednesday and San Diego police are investigating Rojas’ death as a homicide.

Rojas’ cousin said the United States needs to protect its border but someone also needs to protect the people.

“And as human beings, we should protect each other, not finish each other off,” said Veronica Hernandez, Rojas’ cousin.

Rojas’ family is holding a candlelight vigil on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the trolley station near the San Ysidro Port of Entry.