An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Laredo Sector Border Patrol Rescue Four Undocumented Immigrants

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Rescue Four Undocumented Immigrants

Release Date
Fri, 07/22/2016

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector rescued four undocumented immigrants as they tried to enter the U.S. illegally.

On July 22, 2016 at approximately 1:00 a.m., agents assigned to the Laredo South Station were working their assigned duties when they heard several people in the water having difficulty staying afloat.

A Border Patrol agent jumped into the river to rescue these individuals who were in distress.  Fortunately, the agent reached these individuals and brought them to safety.  Several were offered medical attention but declined. 

“The Rio Grande River is dangerous and despite the dangers, undocumented immigrants still risk their life attempting to swim across this unpredictable river. This rescue is an example of a Border Patrol agent going above and beyond his duty.  I commend his actions in risking his life to save others,” said Mario Martinez, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Chief.

Three of the individuals were from Guatemala and one was from El Salvador.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021