Agents discuss border-safety practices - El Paso Times
[…]
The fear of jumping into cloudy water while wearing about 35 pounds of safety gear is something Agent Omar Cordoval experiences often working for the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team.
“It’s human nature to be scared at first,” Cordoval said. “Training helps take over any other emotion.”
On Wednesday, six undocumented immigrants were captured near a canal, agents said. None of the immigrants sustained any major injuries, and all are in custody of the Border Patrol.
Agents said more injuries result from canals around the river than the Rio Grande itself. That is because there is more water in the canals.
Three people died in canals during the first half of 2009. Two have died in the same period this year.
“Our duty is security,” said Border Patrol Agent Ronald LeBlanc. “But we will take off our hats to save lives.”
[…]