DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the marine unit in Del Rio rescued seven Salvadoran nationals from the Rio Grande River Tuesday afternoon.
“The higher number of families attempting to illegally enter the United States exposes more vulnerable adults and children to the hazards and risks of crossing the Rio Grande River,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “If not for the quick response by our Border Patrol agents, this incident could have ended tragically with the loss of life of three small children and their parents.”
On March 19, while conducting maritime operations, the Del Rio Station Marine Unit rescued two families from El Salvador after they attempted to cross the Rio Grande River near the Del Rio Port of Entry. The two families, totaling seven individuals, including three children ages three, four, and 10, were struggling to stay afloat in the swift current. The agents heard them call out for help because they could no longer hold their children while trying to stay above water. The agents immediately recognized their distress and navigated their service vessel toward the individuals, deployed a rescue rope, and safely pulled the individuals aboard the vessel.
All seven individuals were determined to be nationals of El Salvador. All were in good health and were transported to the Del Rio Border Patrol Station for processing in accordance with CBP guidelines.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.