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  4. Border Patrol: Rescue Beacon Saves Life in the Rio Grande Valley

Border Patrol: Rescue Beacon Saves Life in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 05/28/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued a man after he activated a beacon to requesting emergency assistance.

On Tuesday, agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol station received a signal from a rescue beacon near Encino, Texas. Units were deployed to the beacon and encountered a Mexican national who had been left behind by smugglers. The man was provided basic medical attention and will be processed accordingly.

Rescue Becon on the ranchlands of Brooks County
Rescue Beacon on the ranchland of
Brooks County

The following day, agents patrolling the vast ranchland discovered human remains near Falfurrias, Texas. The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location and took custody of the remains.

Once again, on Thursday, Kingsville agents discovered human remains near Armstrong, Texas. Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office responded to take custody of the remains.

“Smugglers do not feel any empathy for those who succumb to the Texas heat,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “While we have committed technology and resources toward our humanitarian efforts for life preservation, we highly caution immigrants who contemplate placing their lives in the hands of smugglers.”

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021