Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Agents Rescue Two Women from Drowning in Rio Grande

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Border Patrol Marine unit in Eagle Pass, rescued two female undocumented immigrants from drowning in the Rio Grande River.

“Crossing the Rio Grande River is a treacherous voyage filled with many dangers,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch. “I am proud of our agents and the dedication demonstrated on daily basis.”

On Dec. 1, at approximately 1 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass South Station, conducting maritime operations along the Rio Grande River, responded to possible illegal activity near a local ranch in Eagle Pass. As the maritime agents approached the location they observed two women in the Rio Grande River struggling to stay afloat.  The agents tossed a rescue line to one, who then grabbed onto it and was pulled onto the boat to safety. The agents then quickly maneuvered the vessel to the second subject’s location where they again deployed a rescue line and pulled the woman to safety.

The women a 27-year-old Honduran national and a 28-year-old Mexican national were offered medical treatment but declined. They were then transported to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing, per CBP guidelines.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity 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.