A Border Patrol agent in Laredo, Texas recently risked his life to save a migrant who was drowning while attempting to cross the Rio Grande. This incident occurred amidst ongoing attempts by migrants to cross this border river, often under dangerous conditions.
Jason Owens, Chief Patrol Agent at U.S. Border Patrol, recounted the act of heroism: "On 12/1, a USBP agent in Laredo, TX rescued a subject from drowning in the Rio Grande! Thanks to the body-worn camera, you are right there with the agent as he risks his own life to save another."
Earlier this year in June, another incident involving distressed migrants occurred east of Laredo. According to a news release by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the McAllen Border Patrol Station received a phone call regarding two individuals in distress downriver of Anzalduas Dam near Mission. Upon their arrival, agents noticed a mother and son struggling against the strong current of the river. The CBP Air and Marine Operations team dispatched aircraft personnel to maintain visual contact with them and managed agents specializing in swift water rescue operations on the ground.
Gloria I. Chavez, RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent expressed her admiration for her team's dedication stating that it was an "Outstanding job by our Border Patrol agents and local partners." She emphasized how perilous crossing the river can be "especially in swift water areas". She added that "Agents immediately jumped into action to prevent any further injury or loss of life".
The CBP media release further detailed that boat patrols from McAllen were launched from different areas and attempted reaching the location but were unable due to rocky terrain and rapid waters near the dam. A rescue effort was coordinated by five members of a swift water rescue team who successfully extracted the mother-son duo from treacherous waters.
After being rescued, these migrants were taken back to McAllen Border Patrol station to be medically evaluated. The mother shared with agents that they had been stranded for more than four hours in the currents of the Rio Grande, as per CBP's media release. The rescued individuals were subsequently processed by Border Patrol agents.
