Agents Rescue Cuban Illegals from Drowning in the Rio Grande

EAGLE PASS, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector’s Eagle Pass South Station rescued two illegal aliens struggling to cross the Rio Grande, Jan. 27.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., agents encountered a group of aliens entering the country illegally through the Rio Grande River near Eagle Pass. The agents recognized two subjects were having difficulty crossing the river and attempted to throw flotation devices toward them but were unsuccessful in reaching the illegals. The agents observed one individual growing weaker from the force of the current and decided to enter the water to save them.

Using ropes to remain secured to each other, one agent remained on shore while two agents entered the water and advanced toward the immigrants. As they approached the subjects, one migrant lost her footing and went farther downriver. The agents were still able to reach both migrants and pulled them to safety on the U.S. riverbank.

“The lengths our agents go through to save a life has no bounds,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens. “I am humbled to be counted among these men and women. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last that a life is saved because they put theirs on the line.”

Neither the agents nor the illegals, two adult Cuban nationals, required medical attention. All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.