Border Patrol Agents Rescue Illegal Alien from Freezing Rio Grande River

LAREDO, TX – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station and Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) took quick action and rescued a woman from the Rio Grande River in northwest Laredo.  

The incident happened during the early hours of February 20, when agents responded to a report of several individuals crossing the Rio Grande River near the Father Charles M. McNaboe Park.  Agents heard cries for help from the riverbanks and discovered a 61 year-old woman lying on the ground who had become unresponsive.  

A Border Patrol EMT quickly arrived on scene to assist as the woman was showing signs of hypothermia.  Emergency Medical Services were requested and transported the woman, a Salvadoran national, to the nearest hospital where she received further medical treatment.  The woman remained hospitalized for four days prior to being medically released. 

Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to provide aid to those in need.  Their training and skills go beyond enforcement of immigration laws and also include life saving techniques.  

The Laredo Sector is made up of agents who place the safety of others first while continuing to meet the Enduring Mission Priorities of the agency to Counter Terrorism, Combat Transnational Crime, Secure the Border, Facilitate Lawful Trade and Travel while protecting revenue.