YSLETA, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a group of subjects in the Ysleta area, one of which would later give birth while in custody.
While patrolling the border on Dec. 2, agents from Ysleta observed 11 subjects cross the international boundary four miles west of the Ysleta Port of Entry. Agents apprehended the group and transported them to the Ysleta Station for processing.
After arriving at the station, a 34-year-old female from El Salvador informed agents that she was in her third trimester of pregnancy. While in custody, she began to complain of stomach pain. A female Border Patrol agent quickly recognized that she was in fact experiencing labor pains, and sprang into action. The agent immediately began to comfort the expectant mother through breathing and relaxation techniques and EMS was contacted. The agent gathered towels to prepare for the birth. Minutes later, a baby boy was delivered with the assistance of El Paso Fire and EMS personnel, who had arrived to the scene. Both mother and child were then transported to Sierra Providence East Hospital for further medical care and evaluation.
On Dec. 6, the mother and newborn were discharged from the hospital, and transported to a temporary holding facility in Tornillo pending an immigration determination. The following morning, the new mom alerted agents at the facility that her newborn child appeared to be ill, and required medical attention. Agents summoned EMS and subsequently transported the mother and child to El Paso Children’s Hospital, where the infant was admitted. The infant was treated and was released by the attending physician and is currently doing well.
Once they were deemed fit for travel, the baby and her mother were released from U.S. Border Patrol custody pending an immigration hearing.
This incident is a prime example of the compassion and professionalism demonstrated by U.S. Border Patrol agents on a regular basis. Though these public service actions can go unseen in the community, agents remain dedicated to their solemn oath.