Border Patrol Agents Rescue Illegal Immigrant Families from the Rio Grande River

EAGLE PASS, TX – In separate incidents over a 24-hour period U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass Station marine unit, rescued three families attempting to cross illegally into the United States.

According to a press release, “Our agents are constantly on patrol and ready to respond to life-threatening situations. This weekend our marine agents saved six people who risked their lives in the dangerous waters of the Rio Grande,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Our agents relied on their training to rescue and evaluate the conditions of the adults and children they encountered.”

Marine agents, patrolling near the Eagle Pass downtown area on Aug. 24, saw people struggling in the water. Agents quickly responded and pulled two people, an adult and a child, out of the river’s current. The father and son, both from Honduras, were evaluated for injuries, but neither required medical attention.

In a separate event 24 hours later, in cooperation with Mexican migrant services, the marine agents observed and rescued two women and two children attempting to cross the river. The adults requested medical attention and an Emergency Medical Technician evaluated all four who were then transported to Fort Duncan Medical Center for treatment for pre-existing medical issues. After they were released from the hospital, the two familes were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station where they were processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.

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.

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.