Border Patrol Aids Rescues in Treach-erous Waterways (Learn More, Video)

Agents work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions. Agents also work in many isolated communities throughout the U.S.
Agents work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions. Agents also work in many isolated communities throughout the U.S.

A group of four illegal aliens are safe thanks to the efforts of U.S. Border Patrol Agents and their life saving training.

Just after midnight Wednesday, U.S. Border Patrol camera operators were watching a group of seven people illegally cross into the United States near downtown El Paso.

The group then entered the American Canal, approximately three miles east of the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry.

Due to strong undercurrents, the canal system represents the biggest danger that immigrants face when attempting to enter the U.S. illegally in the El Paso area.

U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to the area and saw three people climb out of the south side of the canal and run back into Mexico.

The remaining four subjects were left behind and struggled to stay afloat.

Agents instinctively sprang into action, and due to their training and strong sense of team effort, they managed to pull the four people from the canal utilizing rescue ropes.

In fiscal year 2017, eight illegal crossers have lost their lives in these same treacherous waterways.
In fiscal year 2017, eight illegal crossers have lost their lives in these same treacherous waterways.

While these types of situations can typically lead to deadly consequences, this story ended with no loss of life.

All four of the illegal crossers were assessed for health concerns, but none required further medical attention.

The subjects were then taken in to custody to be processed accordingly. The group was comprised of three adult males and one juvenile, all from Mexico.

The three adults will be facing criminal prosecution while the juvenile will be repatriated to Mexico with assistance from Mexican Government officials.

During fiscal year 2018, U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector have rescued 25 immigrants in distress, and have witnessed zero immigrant deaths.

In fiscal year 2017, eight illegal crossers have lost their lives in these same treacherous waterways.

(See for yourself  the humanitarian efforts conducted everyday by the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, our heroes, who go above and beyond the call of duty and always place service before self. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and YouTube. Posted on Mar 21, 2018.)

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Calais Station, during maritime boat operations, also recently assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in two separate boat rescues along the Washington County, Maine coastline recently.

The first event took place on June 16 near Stueben, Maine in Pidgeon Hill Bay.

F/V Knee Deep fire
F/V Knee Deep fire

Border Patrol agents assigned to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel responded to an emergency call of a fire aboard the F/V Knee Deep.

A Coast Guard crew was fighting the fire when the AMO vessel arrived and the F/V Knee Deep crew had been moved to another fishing vessel.

The Coast Guard requested the AMO vessel escort the F/V Knee Deep to its home port due to draft restrictions on the Coast Guard vessel.

The second event took place on June 19 near Lubec, Maine in South Bay.

CBP towing sailboat
CBP towing sailboat

A Border Patrol vessel crewed by Border Patrol agents, a CBP officer and a Coast Guardsman responded to a request from the Coast Guard to assist a sailboat that radioed a distress call.

When the Border Patrol vessel located the sailboat it was in danger of being blown onto the rocks.

The Border Patrol vessel crew was able to transfer the three occupants of the sailboat to the Border Patrol vessel and secure a towline to the sailboat.

The Border Patrol boat crew safely towed the sailboat back to their home port.

Patrol Agent in Charge Todd Smith
Patrol Agent in Charge Todd Smith

“These two rescues illustrate the keen maritime cooperation between Customs and Border Protection and our Coast Guard partners to save lives at risk and enforce our nation’s laws on our waterways,” explained Patrol Agent in Charge Todd Smith of Calais Border Patrol Station.

It also serves as a reminder of the dedication Customs and Border Protection agents and officers demonstrate to serving our community, be it on the land or on the water.”

Mission

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the focus of the Border Patrol has changed to detection, apprehension and/or deterrence of terrorists and terrorist weapons.

Although the Border Patrol has changed dramatically since its inception in 1924, its overall mission remains unchanged: to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens into the United States.

Although the CBP strives to discourage smugglers and illegal immigrants from crossing the southern border, the Border Patrol will continue to implement lifesaving measures to aid those who may fall victim to the harsh desert terrain. (Image Credit: CBP)
Although the CBP strives to discourage smugglers and illegal immigrants from crossing the southern border, the Border Patrol will continue to implement lifesaving measures to aid those who may fall victim to the harsh desert terrain. (Image Credit: CBP)

Together with other law enforcement officers, the Border Patrol helps maintain borders that work, facilitating the flow of legal immigration and goods while preventing the illegal trafficking of people and contraband.

The Border Patrol is specifically responsible for patrolling the 6,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida Peninsula and the island of Puerto Rico.

Agents work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions. Agents also work in many isolated communities throughout the U.S.

Daily Duties

One of the most important activities of a Border Patrol agent is line watch.

U.S. Border Patrol Agents conducting mock rescue as part of the the 21st Annual Border Safety Initiative (BSI) awareness campaign
U.S. Border Patrol Agents conducting mock rescue as part of the the 21st Annual Border Safety Initiative (BSI) awareness campaign

This involves the detection, prevention and apprehension of terrorists, undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land border by maintaining surveillance from a covert position, following up leads, responding to electronic sensor television systems, aircraft sightings, and interpreting and following tracks, marks and other physical evidence.

Some of the major activities are traffic check, traffic observation, city patrol, transportation check, administrative, intelligence, and anti-smuggling activities.

Training

As one of the most rigorous and demanding law enforcement training programs in the country, U.S. Border Patrol training has become the envy of the federal law enforcement community.

All newly hired Border Patrol Agent Trainees are required to complete a 117-day basic training program which includes instruction in Law, Operations, Spanish, Driver Training, Physical Techniques, and Firearms.

(Learn More. The United States Border Patrol Academy is recognized as one of the most difficult and challenging law enforcement academies in the world. To graduate from the demanding 6-month academy, all new hires must pass practical and written tests in driving, firearms, Spanish, and physical techniques. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and YouTube. Posted on Feb 4, 2018.)

Scenario-Based Training plays a significant role in the trainees’ development as it allows them to apply the theoretical information in life like situations.

The U.S. Border Patrol Academy is located in Artesia, NM. While in training, all trainees receive full pay and benefits.

The Federal Law Enforcement Center (FLETC), headed by Director Thomas J. Walters, teach courses which include: Communications, Ethics and Conduct, Report Writing, Introduction to Computers, Fingerprinting, and Constitutional Law.

(See More. Courtesy of the Federal Law Enforcement Center and YouTube. Posted on Jun 13, 2018.)

The U.S. Border Patrol Academy is located in Artesia, NM.

History

The U.S. Border Patrol has a long and rich history of helping to secure and protect the American way of life.