LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville Station rescued several individuals as they dangerously attempted to further their entry into the United States by train east of Hebbronville, Texas.
During a routine freight train check shortly after noon on September 3, agents observed several individuals jumping off a grain hopper train car into the nearby brush. Agents quickly responded and discovered 11 individuals inside the grain hopper where the temperature was recorded as being 106.3 degrees Fahrenheit. None had any personal protective equipment (PPE). As agents quickly pulled the individuals out of the hopper, they noticed one was disoriented and in need of medical attention. He lost consciousness while on top of the railroad car.
medical technicians render first aid to a
disoriented alien that was found inside a
grain hopper train car near Hebbronville,
Texas.
Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) immediately began treating the individual to stabilize him. EMTs determined that the individual needed further medical attention and requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to airlift the individual to the nearest hospital. The individual, who had entered illegally into the United States from the country of Mexico, is currently being treated at a local hospital’s intensive care unit. It was later discovered that the individual also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. He remains in Border Patrol custody pending his recovery.
The remaining 10 individuals were also determined to be in the United States illegally from the country of Mexico and taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol continues to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States and furthering their entry through dangerous and hazardous means. Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “If not for the lifesaving efforts of these agents, the outcome would have been more tragic. Our agents put their safety at risk every day to enforce our laws and often have to rescue those who have violated the law.”
With a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, smugglers continue showing their lack of regard for the safety of the people they exploit by placing them in compromising, cramped spaces without regard to high temperatures, PPE, or means of escape. In doing so, not only do they endanger those being smuggled, but they also endanger our agents and communities. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is committed to the Mission of the agency to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders and enhancing the Nation’s economic prosperity.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. If you see something, please say something. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and @usbpdepchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.