MISSION, Texas ̶̶ On April 19, 2015, at approximately 6:00 p.m., two on-duty McAllen Boat Patrol Agents were involved in a boat collision, while patrolling the Rio Grande River, near Anzalduas Park, south of Mission, Texas. The collision involved a privately owned vessel carrying four occupants.
Agents immediately requested Emergency Medical Service (EMS) via service radio. As responding agents arrived to assist with those injured, unknown subjects on the Mexican river bank assaulted the agents with rocks. In response, agents used non-lethal force to protect themselves from the rock throwers and avoid injury from the assault.
Both agents were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation for non-life threatening injuries and are in stable condition at this time. The occupants of the other vessel are also being treated at a local hospital. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by multiple federal agencies.
Boat Patrol Agents attend a 30-day Marine Law Enforcement Training Program in Glynco, Georgia. Upon completion, they attend a six to 10-week Vessel Commander Training which occurs locally with certified Marine Instructors. Lastly, agents demonstrate their skill set in a rigorous certification course at the National Marine Training Center in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.