Edinburg, Texas - With Tropical Storm Don looming in the Gulf of Mexico and expected to make landfall sometime this evening, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Rio Grande Valley has opened its Emergency Operations Center to deal with whatever threats the storm might pose.
The Emergency Operations Center is a combined effort involving CBP's offices of Border Patrol, Field Operations, and Air and Marine. The EOC serves as a centralized location to manage CBP's emergency response assets that are strategically placed throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Its primary focus is to coordinate response and relief efforts and to ensure that the families of CBP employees are secure so that the agents and officers can carry out their duties in securing the border and providing emergency management assistance to other local, state and federal agencies.
CBP is committed to carrying out its mission to secure the border and protect the United States in spite of the dangers the storm may bring.
"No matter what happens we are here protecting the American public," said Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa. "We will remain vigilant throughout the storm."
Additionally, CPA Hinojosa warned that heavy rains may cause the Rio Grande to become extremely dangerous for people who attempt to cross it illegally.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector's toll-free telephone number at 1 (800) 863-9382.