EDINBURG, Texas —Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) operators and agents from the Falfurrias and Kingsville stations saved the lives of 11 individuals in three separate incidents Friday and Saturday.
BORSTAR agent renders first aid to dehydrated subjects.
The largest rescue took place at approximately 1 p.m., when a woman contacted the Brooks County 911 system and said that she, along with seven other people were lost in the brush. Brooks County dispatch immediately contacted the Falfurrias Checkpoint for assistance. Agents from the Falfurrias Station along with nearby BORSTAR operators were immediately dispatched to the area.
Several hours later, BORSTAR operators found and evaluated the group. Three of the individuals were unconscious while the other five were exhibiting symptoms of severe dehydration. All were transported to local hospitals, two of the unconscious individuals via medical helicopter and the other six by ambulance. They were all treated for severe dehydration and have since been medically cleared. The rescued individuals were returned to Border Patrol custody and will be processed accordingly.
Two additional people were rescued earlier that day when they became lost in the brush and contacted the Brooks County 911 system. The caller provided a known landmark to the dispatcher, which helped BORSTAR operators rapidly locate the two individuals and provide first aid for dehydration.
Snake Bite victim treated by BORSTAR operators.
Finally, a woman from El Salvador was bitten by a snake Saturday in a remote area of Kenedy County. Agents from the Kingsville Station located the two after the woman’s brother called 911. The woman was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Kingsville where she continues to undergo treatment for the snake bite.
“These 11 individuals are alive today thanks to the efforts of our agents,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “The immediate medical attention provided by BORSTAR operators along with the assistance of Falfurrias and Kingsville agents was the difference between these incidents being rescues rather than recovery missions.”
The Rio Grande Valley 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, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.