Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Warns Against Danger of Extreme Heat

(PRESS RELEASE) Unseasonably high temperatures, sometimes exceeding more than 100 degrees, has posed increased dangers to people attempting to enter the United States illegally.

“Most people attempting to enter the country illegally are ill-prepared for the rigorous conditions they face,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Extreme heat, treacherous terrain, and human smugglers’ disregard for human life, lead to life-threatening situations.”

On June 10, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station were notified by local law enforcement that a 911 call had been placed and several subjects reported they were in distress. Agents located the group, consisting of three women, one man, and one juvenile – all from Central America – and transported them to the Border Patrol station.  Due to the agents’ swift response, all five survived their ordeal.

Since October 2017 in the Del Rio Sector area, 11 immigrants have lost their lives due to the heat.   This is an 83 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Also, agents continue to rescue immigrants in distress, including 22 heat-related incidents this fiscal year.

As part of the Border Safety Initiative, Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has been working with consular officials from Mexico and Central America to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States. BSI is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which works with federal, state and local partners to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, please call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.

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.