Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit rescued a 17-year-old Honduran national from drowning in the Rio Grande River.
but unharmed.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of crossing the border illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “If not for the vigilance of our Eagle Pass Police Department partners and the quick response by our Border Patrol agents, this incident could have ended tragically with this young girl drowning.”
On April 8, a detective from the Eagle Pass Police Department supporting Operation Stonegarden saw a young girl in distress struggling to stay afloat in the river and going underwater. The detective notified Border Patrol marine agents who quickly responded in their airboat, located the girl, and pulled her out of the water and on to the boat. The girl was distraught from the ordeal but unharmed.
The juvenile was transported to Fort Duncan Medical Center for an evaluation, released, and reunited with her mother who crossed the river earlier without incident. Both were processed per CBP guidelines.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.