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Del Rio Sector Deploys Rescue Beacon for Lost Migrants

Release Date
Mon, 12/14/2020

Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector’s Foreign Operation Branch/Missing Migrant Program deployed the sector’s first state of the art Rescue Beacon in the wilderness outside Comstock, on Dec. 8.

The Rescue Beacon contains a red button that allows someone in distress to activate a call for medical assistance or rescue.
The Rescue Beacon contains a red button that
allows someone in distress to activate a call
for medical assistance or rescue.

“Too often, migrants are abandoned by human smugglers in the harsh Texas terrain. These individuals are often left with little to no provisions, lost in a foreign country, and without any avenue for rescue,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II. “These beacons enhance Del Rio Sector’s capability to respond to those in distress and save lives.”

Del Rio Sector’s intent is to help save lives through placement of Rescue Beacons in areas with the highest environmental risks, migrant rescues, and deaths. These beacons allow agents to quickly locate subjects and mitigate the risk of death or bodily harm.

Approximately 30 feet tall and equipped with a high visibility strobe light on top of the structure, the Rescue Beacon contains a red button that allows someone in distress to activate a call for medical assistance or rescue while automatically providing their geographic location. This beacon also has drinkable water and cellular charging capability available to assist subjects in distress.

To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.

Follow us on Facebook at US Border Patrol Del Rio Sector and on Twitter and Instagram @USBPChiefDRT and CBP on Twitter @CBPSouthTexas.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021