U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Weslaco Station rescued two children who suffered from heat-related injuries on Monday.
The incident began as agents located a group of immigrants near the town of Hidalgo, Texas. Among the group was an unaccompanied nine-year-old boy who was having trouble breathing and a five-month-old baby who appeared to be suffering from a heat-related illness. Both children were transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The five-month-old boy, who was accompanied by his mother, was treated and released from the hospital. The nine-year-old boy remained in the hospital for further treatment.
“There are the horrifying dynamics that come with crossing the border into the United States and these vulnerable children, some too young to even walk or talk are risking their lives without a parent or guardian,” Jesse Jimenez, acting patrol agent in charge, said. “It’s sad and entering illegally is extremely dangerous.”
The terrain, along with intense heat, can cause individuals to become distressed and die from dehydration, exertion or weather-related illnesses. Immigrants are urged to not risk injury by illegally entering the United States or circumventing any checkpoints.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry.