EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents responded to a request from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies to locate a nine-year-old boy that was separated from his family and lost at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, Texas.
Just after sunset on Jan. 29, agents responded to the refuge to assist HCSO deputies search for the United States Citizen boy after he was separated from his family while visiting the wildlife center. A CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter was also immediately requested and responded to assist. While searching the area, agents were alerted to a technology activation within the refuge and responded to the area. Agents located the boy in good health and was immediately reunited with his family.
Last year, during the peak of the summer heat, agents rescued two lost hikers in the same refuge. One of the men activated a Missing Migrant Program’s rescue beacon and called 9-1-1 for his friend who was exhausted and dehydrated.
With dramatic temperature changes, individuals lost or left behind in desolate areas are at risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and death. RGV urges individuals to take proper precautions when outside.
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