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Border Patrol Rescue Teams deploy from South Texas

Release Date
Tue, 08/29/2017

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents and Marine assets are being deployed to Houston, Texas to assist with relief efforts to the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Assets include agents from the teams comprising the Special Operations Detachment, Riverine Units, and agents skilled in emergency medical response from South Texas.

RGV Borger Patrol riverine agents get ready to depart sector HQ
RGV Borger Patrol riverine agents
get ready to depart sector HQ

Special Operations Detachment (SOD) teams such as the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) is composed of experienced Border Patrol Agents who have received specialized training in search and rescue operations, to include swift water rescue and recovery operations. All BORSTAR Operators are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or fully credentialed paramedics.

Agents from the Riverine Boat Patrol Units are also being deployed with numerous vessels to aid in rescue efforts in the devastated areas. This specialized unit is capable of making significant contributions in rescuing victims left trapped, distressed, and surrounded by water. They will provide unrivaled mobility in areas where there is no other means of movement.

“The primary mission of these rescue teams is life preservation and recovery of stranded victims. The rescue teams will be joining other federal, state and local agencies in a combined effort to minimize the number of casualties and fatalities inflicted by Hurricane Harvey,” says Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr.

RGV Border patrol units make their way to assist in Hurricane Harvey
RGV Border patrol units make their
way to assist in Hurricane Harvey

For more on U.S. Customs and Border Protection recovery efforts, go to the following links:

The Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector currently has over 3,000 Border Patrol Agents and support personnel. If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career, you can contact the CBP Recruiting Office at 956.289.4808 or visit www.cbp.gov/careers.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us at @CBPRGV

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021