Mexican Smugglers Throw Double Amputee and Paraplegic into Rio Grande and Told Them to Swim

EAGLE PASS, TX – Members of the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team rescued two undocumented immigrants with physical limitations in Eagle Pass.

On May 30, agents from the Del Rio Sector BORSTAR team observed a group of 12 undocumented immigrants cross the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass. Agents saw one individual, a double amputee with one arm and one leg, being carried by smugglers to the bank of the river and thrown into the water. Once in the river, the individual struggled to stay afloat. The BORSTAR team swiftly responded and swam out to save the drowning victim.

As the man was safely being taken to the U.S. river bank, agents inland observed another individual, a paraplegic man, being carried to and thrown into the river in the same vicinity as the first individual. The paraplegic man immediately began to drown. Agents in the water quickly swam to location of the second individual while agents on the ground were able to jump in the water and successfully recover the first individual. Fighting the strong river current, agents were able to effectively reach the paraplegic man and safely bring him to the U.S. river bank.

The two individuals, both Honduran nationals, were offered medical attention but refused. Both individuals were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station and processed in accordance with CBP Guidelines which includes suitable placement.

“Smuggling organizations have little concern for the wellbeing of innocent individuals and show no remorse,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “I commend our agents for acting swiftly during this emotionally charged situation.”

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.