EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents and Marine assets are being deployed to Houston, Texas to assist with relief efforts.
Special Operations Detachment (SOD) teams such as the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) is composed of experienced Border Patrol Agents who have received specialized training in search and rescue operations, to include swift water rescue and recovery operations. All BORSTAR Operators are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or fully credentialed paramedics.
Agents from the Riverine Boat Patrol Units are also being deployed with numerous vessels to aid in rescue efforts in the devastated areas. This unit is capable of making significant contributions in rescuing victims left trapped, distressed, and surrounded by water. They will provide unrivaled mobility in areas where there is no other means of movement.
“The primary mission of these rescue teams is life preservation and recovery of stranded victims. The rescue teams will be joining other federal, state and local agencies in a combined effort to minimize the number of casualties and fatalities inflicted by Hurricane Harvey,” says Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr.
