March 3, 2021

 SOS Christian Alvarez 956.289.4998 CBP PAO Rod Kise 202.491.3458

 News Release

RGV Border Patrol Marine Unit Rescue a Group of 13 from aSinking Raft

EDINBURG, Texas

 – On Wednesday, a Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol MarineUnit rescued 13 illegal aliens stranded in the Rio Grande south of Penitas, Texas. Just after midnight, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Riverine Unit were patrolling the Rio Grande when they witnessed a raft deflating with numerous people aboard. The inflatable raft was in the middle of the river as it began taking on water. The riverine agents acted swiftly and were able to get the group safely aboard their vessel. A medical screening was conducted on all subjects and it was determined that no further medical treatment was needed. Within the group were six children ranging from one to nine years of age. Human smugglers continue placing lives in grave danger by sending groups adrift on rafts with no oars, life preservers, or any means to maneuver. Additionally, rafts are overcapacity as smugglers attempt to maximize their profits on each trip across the Rio Grande. NOTE: Photos 1, 2, and 3 are stock photos and not associated to this event. Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.

~CBP~