The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector held a border safety initiative (BSI) on Tuesday to raise awareness about the dangers posed by swift-moving canal systems and the barren desert terrain in border communities in an effort to save lives.
The border patrol was joined by representatives of local, state and federal agencies, as well as the government of Mexico.
The event is part of a bilateral agreement between El Paso Sector Border Patrol’s International Liaison Unit, Instituto Nacional Migratorio, the Consulate General of Mexico and other associated law enforcement entities working to protect residents who are unaware of the dangers that exist.
Demonstrations during the event included a swift-water demonstration by the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue team, with assistance from the El Paso Branch of Air and Marine Operations.
Under the BSI, the U.S. Border Patrol has produced a number of public safety announcements, with this year’s message illustrating the dangers of crossing the border, including the risk of injuries, mortality or falling under the prey of smugglers.
The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which serves as the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security and is charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders.