During the conference, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz addressed numerous topics related to the influx of undocumented immigrants through the Del Rio Sector this year, which currently stands at 34,000 - a 217% increase as compared to the previous year.

Among the main concern and issues touched was the potential dangers and prevention of undocumented immigrant deaths and how Border Patrol personnel are involved in rescuing those in danger.

The U.S. Border Patrol emphasizes and warns anyone trying to cross the border illegally of the dangers of crossing through the Rio Grande River.

This year alone there have been 12 undocumented immigrant deaths reported through the Del Rio Border Sector.

There are another two people that have not been found after drowning. This number is expected to increase by the end of the year and surpass last years total.

The conference focused on the immigrant crisis currently being experienced in the U.S. and its inherent dangers. Border Patrol highlighted its agent’s capabilities and response methods to lifethreatening situations in water and land environments.

U.S. Border Patrol EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), BORSTAR (Search, Trauma, and Rescue) agents, and airboat crews were on hand and displayed different equipment and other assets utilized in a variety of life-saving missions. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crews also participated in the conference