LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector rescued over 13 undocumented immigrants this week in separate incidents.
Members of the U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents, and an air asset from the Office of Air and Marine (OAM) recently worked together to rescue a total of thirteen undocumented immigrants in a ranch east of Encinal, Texas.
On August 9, 2015, a distress call was received by the Border Patrol communication center where the caller stated that he was with five other subjects without food or water. The caller also stated that there was a 14-year-old boy with them who was fainting and experiencing severe dehydration. Laredo North Agents and BORSTAR agents entered the ranch and searched the area. They encountered six undocumented immigrants in the brush. BORSTAR agents were able to immediately treat the boy and adult male with appropriate medical attention. While in the area, another subject stated he was part of a related group of seven subjects, who also needed assistance. OAM pilots, utilizing air assets, were able to spot the group from above, guiding the BORSTAR and Border Patrol agents to the location of the group in distress.
Laredo Sector BORSTAR agents administer first aid to an undocumented alien in distress.
All subjects were determined to be in the United States illegally and one adult male was treated for dehydration and low blood sugar levels due to his diabetes. Another subject was transported to Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo, Texas to treat symptoms of pain and the rest were transported to the Laredo Sector Processing Center.
In another incident, on August 13, 2015, Agents assigned to the Laredo South Station together, with Laredo Sector Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents, rescued an undocumented alien near Aguilares, Texas. As the agents encountered the male subject, he stated he had illegally crossed into the United States on Sunday and claimed to be lost. He further stated he had not consumed water for several days. A Laredo South Station emergency medical technician arrived on the scene to render medical aid and escort the subject to a local hospital, for possible dehydration and exposure.
“The men and women of the Border Patrol will continue to assist those in need especially during these high temperature months. We are fortunate the agents found those people and were able to prevent a loss of human life,” said Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Sean McGoffin.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol has rescued 352 subjects during this fiscal year.
The Laredo 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 such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.