The body of a migrant was found floating in the Rio Grande River in an apparent failed border crossing.
The migrant’s body was found by U.S. Border Patrol marine agents during a morning patrol on Tuesday. At about 10:30 a.m., agents assigned to a boat patrol on the Rio Grande River near downtown Eagle Pass, Texas, came upon the body on the U.S. side of the river. The agents quickly contacted the Eagle Pass Fire Department who assisted with the recovery of the dead migrant, according to information obtained by Breitbart Texas from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
“Crossing the river illegally is a hazardous and potentially life-threatening act,” Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said in a written statement. “The current river height makes it especially dangerous as evidenced by the multiple rescues and incidents that have occurred. I encourage everyone to spread the word of the dangers and inherent risk.”
No information about the deceased individual, including gender, age, or nationality, has been released by the CBP at this time.
Heavy rains have made the river an even more dangerous place to attempt border crossings. The fast running water, combined with the low temperature make crossing more difficult.
Just two weeks earlier, Eagle Pass agents rescued another migrant who became trapped in the river after failing to successfully cross over from Mexico, Breitbart Texas reported. The migrant was identified as a 21-year-old Honduran male. After being rescued by marine agents and treated for hypothermia, the migrant was transported to a regional hospital for medical attention. He was later released to Border Patrol agents who transported him to the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station for processing.
The day before this incident, another Honduran man was apprehended after crossing the river. He advised Border Patrol agents that his 16-year-old son was missing. Agents have not yet been able to find the missing teen.
“The winter months can bring about environmental hazards that all individuals must heed,” CBP officials wrote. “Immersion in water and exposure to cool air will accelerate the progression of hypothermia and possible death.”
“This event highlights the environmental hazards that undocumented immigrants face,” Chief Patrol Agent Hudak said at the time. “Thanks to the agents’ quick thinking and training this story didn’t end in tragedy.”
“Being a Border Patrol agent means more than just enforcing the law,” Hudak continued. “It means being able to handle any situation with the commitment to preserve human life.”
Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas. He is a founding member of the Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.
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