Eagle Pass, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Marine Unit in Eagle Pass rescued a family of five Honduran nationals who were stuck in the swift waters of the Rio Grande River.

“Every year multiple lives are lost to the inherent hazards of trying to cross illegally into the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Mathew J. Hudak. “In Texas, one of the biggest perils that migrants can face is an unforgiving Rio Grande River. Fortunately for this family, the diligence and quick thinking of the Eagle Pass Marine Unit saved five more lives from certain tragedy.”

In the afternoon hours of Nov. 17, agents from the Eagle Pass Station were conducting maritime operations when they noticed several individuals in the Rio Grande River, clinging to the stone pillars of the International Bridge. The agents immediately navigated their service vessel to the individuals and assisted them from the swift water into the airboat.

Once all were safely aboard, agents transported the people to dry land where they determined that all five were nationals of Honduras and were part of a family group that included children as young as six years old. The individuals were all in good health, refused any medical treatment, and were transported to the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station for processing per CBP guidelines.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.