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  4. Border Patrol Missing Migrant Program and TRICAMEX fly over the Rio Grande Valley

Border Patrol Missing Migrant Program and TRICAMEX fly over the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Fri, 07/20/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – Yesterday, Air and Marine Operations agents from the McAllen Air Brach conducted a familiarization flight for TRICAMEX.  The Border Patrol Missing Migrant Program conducted a tour of the Rio Grande Sector’s area of responsibility in order to familiarize the consulate officers with the hazardous terrain and dangers involved in the trek immigrants’ face when attempting to illegally enter the United States.

Air and Marine Operations provided flight for the TRICAMEX group
Air and Marine Operations provided
flight for the TRICAMEX group

TRICAMEX is a consular coordination group that promotes communication, exchanges of experiences, and lessons learned in the field of protection and consular services. They are comprised of the consular offices from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.

The exercise provided a clear understanding of the areas needed to refine deterrence methodology aimed at reducing illegal entries, ultimately eradicating immigrant deaths. It also enhanced collaboration from all parties in order to create solidified prevention campaigns.

“Reducing immigrant deaths to zero is our ultimate goal,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “We will continue to work with our international partners to save lives.”

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021