Migrant Dies from Heat During Rescue of 9 Others near Texas Border

Del Rio Sector Border Patrol rescued nine migrants from the 100-plus-degree Texas heat over the past weekend. Unfortunately, one other became unresponsive and died from exhaustion and dehydration.

Eagle Pass South Station Border Patrol officials received a 911 call about a group of migrants needing assistance on August 3. The agents executed a search of a remote area of Maverick County, Texas, and eventually located the group of migrants. A statement obtained from Del Rio Sector Border Patrol officials states that the day was one of the hottest days of this year with temperatures reaching above the 100-degree mark.

“Prolonged exposure during the South Texas summer months is extremely dangerous for those not prepared for the unforgiving environment,” Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz said in the written statement. “Our agents know these conditions well and risked their own safety to prevent further loss of life.”

After locating the group, agents immediately began a medical assessment and determined several of the illegal immigrants suffered signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion. The agents began emergency medical treatment. 

One of the men, a 47-year-old Mexican national, became unresponsive. Agents quickly began CPR on the man and contacted an ambulance for assistance. Despite their best efforts, the Mexican man died at the scene, officials stated.

The agents determined that two other migrants required additional medical assistance and had them rushed to an area hospital.

The heat also took its toll on the agents. Five of the agents received treatment for heat exhaustion. The remaining migrants were transported to the Border Patrol station for processing. Officials did not disclose the nationality of the surviving migrants.

So far this year, at least 144 migrants have died while or shortly after illegally crossing the border from Mexico into Texas — more than 20 in the Del Rio Sector alone. Nationally that number stands at approximately 228, according to the Missing Migrants Project.