LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector Mobile Response Team deployed today to North Carolina to assist in law enforcement support, urban search and rescue efforts as Hurricane Florence approaches the Atlantic Coast. The deployment of Border Patrol assets is a coordinated effort between numerous federal, state and local agencies.
Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue
(BORSTAR) agents prepare to deploy to North
Carolina to assist in swift water rescues, urban
search and rescue missions anticipated in the
aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
An initial cadre from the Special Operations Detachment Unit, which includes EMT-certified Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents, specializes in urban search and rescue as well as swift water rescue and marine operations, deployed today to North Carolina. The deployment includes riverine assets and swift water rescue equipment. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector have integrated efforts with Border Patrol assets across the country in anticipation of search and rescue operations in the Mid-Atlantic States region associated with Hurricane Florence.
“As the Mid-Atlantic states prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence, a Mobile Response Team of Border Patrol agents from the Special Operations Group has deployed this morning to North Carolina to lend their expertise and provide assistance in the areas where it is needed most,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector.
In August 2017, Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents were also deployed to the Houston area to assist in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The United States Border Patrol has and will continue to stand ready to deploy to areas hit by natural disasters to provide assistance to those communities.
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.