Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Three From Island

Del Rio, Texas – Early Thursday morning, Eagle Pass Border Patrol agents rescued three men from an island in the middle of the Rio Grande River.

Around 12:15 a.m. Thursday, agents working along the Rio Grande, near a railroad bridge, heard cries for help of three men coming from an island in the middle of the river. Using rescue ropes, the agents were able to pull the men to safety. The three men, all Mexican nationals – ages 25, 27 and 28 – told agents that they had been abandoned by a smuggler and were stranded on the island for two days before help arrived.

“This is an example of the ruthless disregard for human life smugglers display on a regular basis,” said Rodolfo Karisch, Chief Patrol Agent, Del Rio Sector. “Being abandoned to the elements is just one of the many hazards faced by those who attempt to enter the country illegally.

“These young men were very fortunate. That’s not always the case.”

During Fiscal Year 2012, Del Rio Sector agents performed a total of seven rescues. In the past two weeks, Del Rio Sector agents have performed four rescues involving six individuals.

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.