EDINBURG, Texas – On December 11, 2017, the Missing Migrant Program (MMP) Office assisted local authorities in the successful identification of two deceased individuals who were found recently in different parts of the Rio Grande Valley.
As a harsh cold front hit the lower Rio Grande Valley on December 7, an unknown man was found in distress near Norias, Texas. He received medical attention and was transported to a local hospital where he later passed away. Border Patrol agents assigned to the MMP Office provided assistance to the Cameron County Pathologist in an attempt to identify the victim.
In a separate event that day, Border Patrol agents located the body of an unidentified male subject floating in the Rio Grande River near Peñitas, Texas. MMP agents assisted the Hidalgo County Pathologist and the Sheriff’s Office in trying to identify the deceased.
On December 14, the collaborative efforts between Border Patrol agents and local jurisdictional agencies yielded the positive identification of the two decedents.
“The Missing Migrant Program works tirelessly with local partners in an effort to produce prompt identifications, thus seeking to bring reunification to families struck by tragedy,” said Operations Officer Hugo Vega.
RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us at @CBPRGV.