An undocumented migrant from Guatemala was saved from drowning by a Laredo Border Patrol agent on Friday.
Joel Martinez, Chief Patrol Agent at U.S. Border Patrol, recognized the heroism of Laredo South Agent Eduardo Vasquez during a recent Chiefs Conference in Laredo, Texas. "On December 5, Chief of the Border Patrol, Jason Owens & Laredo Sector Chief, Joel Martinez recognized Laredo South Agent Eduardo Vasquez," Martinez said. He further explained that "Agent Vasquez went beyond the call of duty, taking action by rescuing a migrant from drowning."
According to a media release by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), agents observed the man battling against the Rio Grande current near El Cenizo, Texas. This is when Agent Vasquez intervened and assisted in bringing the Guatemalan national to safety. The man was evaluated and found not to require any further medical attention.
The CBP press release also disclosed that after his apprehension, a records check revealed that the man had entered the country illegally from Guatemala. His case was subsequently processed according to his individual immigration status.
The CBP news release warns migrants contemplating entering America through the southwest border about the life-threatening risks involved. In response to such perilous situations faced by migrants, the Border Patrol initiated the Missing Migrant Program in 2017. The program aims to locate noncitizens reported missing, assist individuals in distress and as a last resort provide families in the border region with their deceased relatives' remains. In October 2023 alone, U.S. Border Patrol conducted 1,198 rescues.
In its media release, CBP urges migrants not to endanger their lives by attempting to cross the border illegally. The Laredo sector implores migrants not to engage in illegal crossings and risk their lives. Local residents can aid Border Patrol agents by reporting any suspicious activity via an anonymous call at 1-800-343-1994.
