Falfurrias, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Station saved the lives of six illegal aliens, who found themselves in distress from the harsh South Texas terrain.
Wednesday evening agents assigned to the Falfurrias Station received information from the Brooks County Sheriff's Office 911 communications center. The person who had phoned 911 told the operator that the group the caller was traveling with was lost in the brush, had run out of food and water, and were requesting assistance. A helicopter from the Texas Department of Public Safety was called to assist in locating the group of five people, three of which were children and who appeared to be in good health. The two adults required medical attention and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
In a separate incident, early Thursday morning Falfurrias agents apprehended a group of nine people in the brush. A member of the group stated to the agents that one of their companions fell ill and was in need of medical attention. The agents traced back the group's steps and were able to locate the abandoned member who was nearly unconscious. A certified Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician provided first aid to the subject until an ambulance arrived and transported the person to a nearby hospital.
For the current operating year, agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector have rescued more than 67 illegal aliens, and have encountered close to 20 bodies while on patrol.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector's toll-free telephone number at (800) 863 9382.