Border Patrol marine unit saves drowning migrant during Rio Grande crossing attempt
A Border Patrol marine team rescued an undocumented migrant who was struggling in the Rio Grande near Laredo on August 29, after he and five others tried to cross the river.
On the morning of August 29, Border Patrol agents patrolling the Rio Grande near Laredo spotted a group of six undocumented migrants trying to cross the river. The marine unit’s vessel saw one individual repeatedly submerge and unable to stay afloat in the fast-moving water. The crew responded quickly, rescued the man, and provided first aid before handing him over to Laredo Sector agents for processing and removal.
The other five migrants were arrested and processed under existing removal policies. Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Desi De Leon highlighted the river’s hazards and praised his agents for acting swiftly to protect life while enforcing the law. The incident underscores the ongoing danger of Rio Grande crossings, which remain among the deadliest points on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Why it matters
It shows the lethal risks migrants face at the border and the dual role of agents in enforcing law and saving lives.
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