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U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LAREDO (News Release) - With temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South Station rescued four lost individuals. One rescue was with the assistance of newly acquired Mobile Rescue Beacons (MRB).  The individuals had crossed the border illegally between Rio Bravo and El Cenizo at separate times when they fell in distress. Sadly, one individual passed away due to heat related injuries.

Agents received a notification from Laredo Police Department Dispatch regarding a subject in distress.  Agents in the area quickly found the first subject who appeared to be suffering from heat related injuries.  Border Patrol agents certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) tended to her as Emergency Medical Services were requested. The individual was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

In the same area, the MRB was triggered, alerting agents that someone was in distress. This alert provided agents an exact location which led them directly to the lost individual. EMTs evaluated the individual and found him to be in good health.

While agents were tending to the second individual, a call from Laredo Sector Law Enforcement Information Systems Specialists (Dispatch) alerted agents of two more individuals who had fallen in heat related distress.  Minutes later, Zapata County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch informed agents of an additional individual in distress in the area. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air Asset arrived and assisted agents in locating the lost individuals.  Due to quick response time, these individuals were found to be in good health.

“Yesterday we highlighted Laredo Sector’s new Mobile Rescue Beacons (MRB) in national news. Today, this new technology saved a life. The U.S. Border Patrol will always prioritize human life.  It is vital to remember that the only safe place to cross the border is through a designated Port of Entry,” said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Carl E. Landrum.

Communication between our law enforcement partners in addition to the Mobile Rescue Beacon, played a vital role in saving the lives of the distressed individuals. Mobile Rescue Beacons are designed to aid individuals in distress and are strategically placed in rural areas in an effort to reduce the loss of lives.

Laredo Sector is extremely proud of the lifesaving work being done by agents in the field.  These life-saving events continue to highlight the dangerous risks that migrants may face while attempting to illegally enter the U.S. and the dedication of the agents to provide aid to those in need.  This incident should serve as a reminder to not undertake this dangerous journey.