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  4. Rio Grande Valley riverine agents rescue two men from drowning in the Rio Grande

Rio Grande Valley riverine agents rescue two men from drowning in the Rio Grande

Release Date
Wed, 04/26/2017

ROMA, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents prevented two adult males from drowning while swimming with their families in the Rio Grande.

Border patrol agents save man in distress from the Rio Grande
Border patrol agents save man in
distress from the Rio Grande

Tuesday evening riverine agents responded to a report of a group of people on the Mexican riverbank yelling for help. When the agents arrived, they encountered two men struggling to stay afloat. The agents quickly pulled the men out of the water and onto the patrol boat then transported the subjects to the Mexican river bank to an awaiting crowd who applauded and thanked the agents for their actions.

The incident occurred as the two men were struggling to stay afloat. Witnesses on the riverbank frantically yelled for help as the situation became more perilous, which alerted agents working in the area.

“We are very proud of our agents, their actions which ultimately prevented the loss of human life,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr.

Crowd on the Miguel Aleman, Mexico side of the Rio cheer Border Patrol agents
Crowd on the Miguel Aleman,
Mexico side of the Rio cheer
Border Patrol agents

This area is less than a half mile down river from the site of our planned Border Safety Initiative event which will take place tomorrow at noon. The dangers of crossing will be highlighted as media will engage in not only a brush walk but a rescue scenario along the river.

Members of Central American consulates will be on hand along with law enforcement partners as we “walk in the shoes” of immigrants. For more information on the event, call Supervisor Marlene Castro.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.

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 27, 2024