EDINBURG, Texas – Since Sunday, Border Patrol agents rescued four illegal aliens including two with significant medical issues.
On Sunday, the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Javier Vega, Jr. Checkpoint and advised they received a 911 call from a man lost in the desolate ranch lands. Agents responded to the callers last known location via coordinates provided by the Sheriff’s office and located the Guatemalan national. Agents provided the man with water and transported him to the station for further processing.
A few minutes later, McAllen agents working near Penitas, Texas, observed several illegal aliens running north in an irrigation ditch attempting to conceal themselves. Agents successfully intercepted the group and requested assistance in transporting the subjects. While waiting for transportation, agents searched the immediate area and located an unresponsive female overcome by the 100-degree plus temperature. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician provided first aid and requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Later that night, the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint received information from the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) regarding a 911 call from a subject who was lost and requesting assistance. KCSO provided the caller's last known GPS coordinates. After searching for nearly an hour, agents located the Mexican national. Agents administered first aid and transported him to the station for further processing. The man did not request further medical attention.
The following morning, KCSO contacted the Kingsville station regarding a suspected illegal alien who suffered a snakebite while attempting to circumvent the immigration checkpoint. Agents responded to the suspected location and, after an extensive search, located the distressed Mexican national. Agents transported the man to the nearest accessible road and requested EMS. Due to the severity of his injury, the man was airlifted to the hospital for immediate treatment.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.