“Being a Border Patrol agent means more than just enforcing the law,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak.  “It means being able to handle any situation with the commitment to preserve human life.”

On Jan. 9, at approximately 7 a.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station responded to possible illegal activity near the banks of the Rio Grande River and found a subject stranded in the frigid water.  A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician and other agents quickly recognized that he was suffering from hypothermia and transported the individual to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center. 

The 21-year-old Honduran male was treated at the hospital for hypothermia and released back to the custody of Border Patrol. He was then transported to the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station for processing.

Despite the warm climate of South Texas, the winter months can bring about environmental hazards that all individuals must heed.  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,” (A)CPA Hudak further stated.  “Thanks to the agent’s quick thinking and training this story didn’t end in tragedy.”

All Border Patrol Agents in Del Rio Sector receive yearly first responder training.  Numerous agents are licensed EMTs with specialized equipment and skills.