Border Patrol Agent Rescues Salvadoran Man Stranded in Rio Grande

Eagle Pass, Texas – A Border Patrol agent rescued a 28-year-old man from El Salvador who was  stranded on an island in the Rio Grande River early Sunday morning.

At approximately 4:15 a.m. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station observed an individual located on a small island in the Rio Grande. An agent was able to make contact with the individual – later identified as a 28-year-old Salvadoran national – who claimed to be stranded and suffering from a possible shoulder injury.

The man was approximately 15-20 yards from the U.S. side of the river but was stranded on the island due to the strong currents. An agent, who is certified as an Emergency Medical Techinician, was able to wade across the river to the island and evaluate the subject’s shoulder. It was determined that the subject did not have any severe injuries. Using a life vest and rescue ropes agents were able to bring the man safely to the United States side of the riverbank, where he declined further medical attention.

The subject was transported to the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station and processed according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection policy.

United States Border Patrol agents successfully rescue numerous illegal immigrants attempting to enter the United States by traversing the waters of the Rio Grande, every year. This is the third water-rescue in Del Rio Sector for Fiscal Year 2014. During FY13, Del Rio Sector agents performed seven successful water-related rescues.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.

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.