With soaring temperatures gripping the region, the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector is issuing a critical warning to individuals against attempting illegal crossings into the desert and mountains of West Texas.
Every year, the Southwest border sectors, including the U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector, encounter tragic incidents involving the remains of migrants who have succumbed to heat-related injuries. The loss of any human life is deeply lamentable, and in an effort to safeguard lives, the Big Bend Sector urges people to be aware of the extreme dangers posed by the current weather conditions.
During Fiscal Year 2023, the Big Bend Sector has undertaken 63 rescue operations, comprising both rescue beacon activations and 911 calls from distressed migrants. Tragically, the sector has also discovered the bodies of five deceased migrants during the same period.
Venturing through this rugged terrain during inclement weather is perilous, and the risks are further exacerbated by extreme heat. Therefore, the Big Bend Sector earnestly encourages individuals not to attempt illegal border crossings into the United States.
“Extreme heat can be fatal and has claimed more lives than any other weather event,” stated Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. “We implore you to reconsider and refrain from illegal border crossings, particularly during these hazardous heat conditions. Your life is too precious to take such a risk.”
In its ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of border communities, the Big Bend Sector collaborates closely with various local and state law enforcement agencies. If you witness any suspicious activity, kindly report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at 1-866-581-7549. Together, we can uphold national security and combat illicit activity.
