Dozen Migrants Rescued from Texas Border River Currents

Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents rescued a group of 12 migrants who became stranded in the middle of the swiftly moving currents of the Rio Grande. The group included at least one infant and five older children.

Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station marine agents came upon a group of 12 migrants who attempted to illegally cross the border from Mexico. The group consisted of six adults and six minors. The children ranged in age from eight months to 12 years, according to Del Rio Sector officials.

“Border Patrol agents continue to warn immigrants not to attempt to cross the Rio Grande River illegally,” Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz said in a written statement. “Our concern is that help will not arrive in time to save lives and this is especially more traumatic when children are involved.”

Eagle Pass Station marine agents and Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents patrolling the Rio Grande near the port of entry observed the group entering the river. The six adult migrants — one carrying an infant — and six children became stranded.

The agents maneuvered their patrol boat to the scene and began to pull the migrants from the waist-deep currents. The agents then moved the migrants to the shore, where land-based personnel took custody and evaluated medical conditions.

After Border Patrol EMTs determined the migrants to be in good health, thee agents transported them to the Eagle Pass Station for processing under CBP guidelines.

In July, a Haitian migrant mother attempted to cross the river in the same area. The currents swept her two-year-old daughter from her arms. A search of the area did not result in the rescue or recovery of the child’s body, Breitbart Texas reported in July.

So far this year, nearly two dozen migrants have been found dead in the Del Rio Sector — many from drowning. Several deaths involved children.