Border Patrol Agents Rescue 11 from Rio Grande River
(Press Release) – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brackettville Border Patrol Station and the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team, rescued 11 people stranded in the Rio Grande River, Sept. 20.
“Border Patrol agents continue to warn immigrants not to attempt to cross the Rio Grande River illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “On this occasion, help arrived in time to save the lives of these individuals. Unfortunately, not every person attempting to illegally cross the Rio Grande River is so lucky.”
Border Patrol agents rescued 11 people from Honduras and El Salvador, including five children, after the group attempted to wade across the Rio Grande River south of Del Rio. The group entered the river shortly after midnight. Upon reaching an island in the river, the group found deep, fast-flowing water between them and the northern bank of the Rio Grande River. Responding agents cautioned the group to remain where they were and not to attempt the cross the dangerous river. Agents stayed in the area throughout the night, monitoring the safety of the group. After daylight, BORSTAR operators maneuvered a vessel to the group and brought them safely to shore. The group consisted of six adults and five children, ranging in age from 3 to 11.
The group was evaluated by Border Patrol EMTs with no injuries found or reported. All individuals will be processed per CBP guidelines.
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 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.
