Family of Five Saved After Nearly Drowning
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit rescued five illegal aliens as they attempted to cross the Rio Grande River, March 15.
There are many dangers associated with crossing the Rio Grande River illegally. These situations can be avoided by pursuing more appropriate and legal pathways for entry into the United States," said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Doyle E. Amidon, Jr. "If our agents had not reacted in time, this family could have drowned.”
Border Patrol agents performing maritime operations observed a family attempting to cross the Rio Grande River near the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. As the individuals were wading across the swift-water current, agents noticed several family members struggling to stay afloat. The agents quickly maneuvered their patrol boat to pull the family safely aboard.
After the safe and successful rescue, an EMT agent was standing by to evaluate the Honduran family, which consisted of a father, mother, two daughters and a son. No further medical attention was required. All members of the family were transported to the Eagle Pass Processing Center and processed as per CBP guidelines.