BORSTAR demonstrate different tactics used to rescue people

Migrants who take the dangerous trek North to enter the U.S. illegally,

put their lives in dangerous situations.

When that danger turns into possible death, El Centro Sector’s Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue ( BORSTAR ), team springs into action.

As part of their border safety initiative, they demonstrated a mock rescue scenario to demonstrate the leading cause of death for migrants in the El Centro Sector, drowning.

This fiscal year, the El Centro Sector Border Patrol has seen a total of sixteen deaths from migrants attempting to cross into the U.S.

“That’s a concern, because we shouldn’t see one death,” said Chief Gloria Chavez, El Centro Sector Border Patrol.

The El Centro Sector has had eighteen successful rescues this fiscal year, but they’ve also had loses.

“Sixteen deaths this fiscal year, that’s a very tragic situation, the majority of these deaths have been because of drowning,” said Chief Chavez.

Thirteen of those deaths are due to drowning.

“These canals are deep, there’s rip currents under these canals and many inexperienced swimmers who jump in here, trying to cross the border illegally are affected and tragically perish,” said Chief Chavez.

According to the El Centro BORSTAR team the section of the All American Canal located at the east desert of Calexico , is the deadliest current in the El Centro Sector.

BORSTAR demonstrated the different tactics they use to rescue people out of the canal.

“People jumping in the canal thinking it might be a shorter distance or their might not be strong rip tides or currents, there’s a lot of inherited dangers when it comes to dealing with water,” said Jonathon Pacheco, BORSTAR Agent.

BORSTAR agents say even people wearing life vests think they can make it across, but they get pulled twenty feet down by the current.

“When we show up to a rescue, it’s not only saving a person from the dangerous situation they’re in, but also providing the proper medical care,” said Agent Pacheco.

“Sixteen deaths, that’ s very concerning for us here at the El Centro Sector, and we will continue to work hard to prevent these tragic deaths,” said Chavez.

Chief Chavez says this years number of deaths is higher compared to the last fiscal year.

She says the El Centro Sector continuously works with neighboring agencies in Mexicali to prevent these tragic deaths.