LAREDO, TEXAS – A multi-agency search and rescue incident took place involving Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville and Freer Stations, south of Freer, Texas.
The incident happened on June 18 at around 3:30 p.m., with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, when agents responded to a report of a dump truck broken down approximately 10 miles south of Freer, Texas on State Highway 16.
After Border Patrol agents located the truck, a collaborative agency effort ensued to rescue the abandoned group in the remote ranchlands. Those agencies assisting Border Patrol in the search included, Texas Department of Public Safety, Air and Marine Operations, and the DHS Volunteer Force from Office of Field Operations. A total of 110 people were rescued in the brush seeking relief from the scorching sun.
All the people discovered were illegally present in the United States. An Aviation Enforcement Agent with Air and Marine Operations who is a certified Emergency Medical Technician rendered aid to an illegal alien by administering IV fluids. The illegal aliens were determined to be from Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The illegal aliens were transported to the Freer station to be processed accordingly.
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.