Border Patrol agents rescue illegal immigrant from Rio Grande

NEAR MISSION — U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued an illegal immigrant who nearly drowned in the Rio Grande early Thursday morning, officials said.

Agents patrolling this area found a man who became distressed while trying to swim across the river, Border Patrol spokesman John Lopez said. A team with the McAllen Station Riverine Unit pulled the man into a boat and got him to safety.

“It’s important for us not only to protect the country from illegal immigrants, but also offer assistance for those in need,” Lopez said. “This individual was distressed, he was drowning, and our agents were there to get him to safety. ... It doesn’t matter what their legal status is.”

The immigrant, who identified himself as a Mexican national, declined medical treatment. Lopez said the man has been deported to Mexico in accordance with Border Patrol guidelines.

____

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.