Del Rio, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Eagle Pass Station Marine Unit and the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team, rescued 12 people stranded in Rio Grande River Tuesday.

“Border Patrol agents continue to warn immigrants not to attempt to cross the Rio Grande River illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our concern is that help will not arrive in time to save lives and this is especially more traumatic when children are involved.” 

Border Patrol agents rescued 12 Honduran nationals, including six children, after the group attempted to wade across the Rio Grande River near the Port of Entry in Eagle Pass. The group entered the river, with some adults carrying infant children, and became stranded in high-current waist-deep water. Marine agents and BORSTAR operators maneuvered a patrol vessel to the group and brought them safely to shore. The six children rescued ranged from 8 months to 12 years of age.

The group was evaluated by U.S. Border Patrol EMTs and processed per CBP guidelines.