Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued a man from the Rio Grande on Aug. 29, after he was seen struggling to stay afloat and repeatedly submerging during an attempted illegal crossing.
At 7:30 a.m., agents assigned to the Laredo South Station observed the man in distress in the river. Agents reported that he went underwater for several seconds on multiple occasions and appeared unable to safely remain above the surface. Marine Unit agents responded aboard a U.S. Border Patrol vessel, reached the man and pulled him from the water. On-duty emergency medical technicians were contacted and evaluated him after the rescue. He was later turned over to agents assigned to the Laredo South Station.
The rescue occurred after Marine Unit agents encountered multiple people attempting to enter the United States illegally. Six illegal aliens, including the man who was rescued, were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and processed in accordance with applicable law and policy.
“This rescue is a reminder of how dangerous the Rio Grande can be and how quickly an attempted crossing can become a life-threatening emergency,” said Desi De Leon, Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “Our agents have a duty to enforce the law and secure the border, but they also have a responsibility to protect human life. When someone is in distress, our agents act quickly.”
The Rio Grande remains one of the most dangerous crossing areas along the Southwest border. Strong currents, shifting depths, fatigue and changing river conditions can overwhelm a person within seconds, even in areas that may appear calm from the surface.
Transnational criminal organizations and human smugglers routinely exploit vulnerable people by encouraging them to attempt dangerous crossings while minimizing the risks. These organizations profit from desperation and often place migrants in hazardous situations with little regard for their safety.
U.S. Border Patrol urges individuals not to risk their lives by attempting to cross the Rio Grande. The river is unpredictable, and smugglers cannot guarantee safe passage.
