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  4. Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents save lives; inclement weather claims lives

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents save lives; inclement weather claims lives

Release Date
Fri, 06/29/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector rescued four illegal aliens in distress and discovered two deceased.

Air Marine and Border Patrol agents rescue a man in distress
Air Marine and Border Patrol agents
rescue a man in distress

Last Friday, agents assigned to the Kingsville station apprehended a group who informed them about a man that was swept away in the Los Olmos Creek during the heavy rains. After an extensive search, agents discovered the body of a man that fit the description provided.  

On Tuesday, during a narcotics smuggling attempt, Brownsville riverine agents rescued a man, who was struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande, after he attempted to evade apprehension.

Wednesday, agents assigned to the McAllen station discovered a deceased male while patrolling a ranch near Sullivan City, Texas. Hours later, a National Guard helicopter pilot spotted what appeared to be a body floating in the Rio Grande near Peñitas, Texas. McAllen station agents responded and confirmed the discovery. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded and took custody of both decedents.

Yesterday, the Brook’s County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) advised Falfurrias agents of a 911 call regarding two lost subjects. Agents responded to the area and rescued a Guatemalan national. The second man, a Honduran national, did not have a pulse and agents requested an ambulance. A Justice of the Peace pronounced the man dead and the BCSO took custody of the remains.

Today, the BCSO notified Border Patrol of a 911 call regarding two lost subjects, one of which was no longer able to walk due to exhaustion. Agents from the RGV’s Special Operations Detachment, along with an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) asset, located the two Salvadoran brothers. The AMO helicopter transported the ailing brother to the Falfurrias Checkpoint. Agents provided medical attention to the subject until Texas Air Med arrived, who airlifted him to a hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment.  

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in our communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. RGV currently has multiple campaigns, like “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021