LAREDO, Texas – U.S. soldiers deployed in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the Southwest Border rescued an individual from drowning in the Rio Grande River.
The rescue occurred late in the afternoon of February 9, when an elderly individual who was leaving a boat ramp, ran back into the river in an attempt to retrieve a boat that had slipped from a boat trailer. The individual, who is a U.S. citizen, soon ran into problems and began to have a difficult time staying afloat. A U.S. soldier working near the area heard the cries for help and jumped into the river to rescue the individual.
A short while later, a second U.S. soldier assisted by helping to bring the individual out of the water. Both soldiers performed CPR on the unconscious individual until he regained consciousness. Border Patrol agents arrived and requested emergency medical services (EMS). EMS provided assistance and determined the individual to be in good health, and not in need of further medical attention.
The soldiers, who are under the operational command of U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command's lead for this support mission, are supporting CBP in the Laredo Sector.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has a long history of supporting efforts to secure U.S. borders. U.S. Northern Command, through Army North, continues to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and CBP to ensure the safety and security of our Nation's borders through counter drug operations, counter transnational organized crime efforts, and other transnational threats.
Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents, working with our DOD partners, continue to secure our borders while providing aid to those in need. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is committed to the mission of the agency to protect the American people by safeguarding our border along with enhancing the Nation’s economic prosperity.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
-CBP-