Border Patrol Rescues Four from Drowning in Rio Grande River

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Border Patrol Marine unit in Eagle Pass, rescued four undocumented immigrants from drowning in the Rio Grande River.

“This case is another outstanding example of our agents’ expertise and readiness in preventing a possible deadly situation,” remarked Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak, “I am proud of our agents and the lifesaving work they do every day.”

Jan. 31, at approximately 2 p.m. agents from the Eagle Pass Station, conducting line watch and marine operations along the Rio Grande River, responded to possible illegal activity near the water treatment plant in Eagle Pass. As the marine agents approached the location they observed four individuals in the Rio Grande River struggling to stay afloat and yelling for help. The agents quickly maneuvered the vessel and pulled all four subjects from the water into the boat.  The agents also observed two other subjects return to Mexico and reach the riverbank safely.

Among the four rescued, three were Salvadoran nationals, one being a juvenile, and one Guatemalan national.  No injuries were sustained during the incident and all were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing, per CBP guidelines.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.