Just a day following the tragic death of a nine-year-old migrant girl who attempted to cross the Rio Grande, the Del Rio Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol hosted their 2024 Border Safety Event, as reported by KENS 5. The event emphasized the prevention of deaths among unauthorized immigrants and showcased the varied roles Border Patrol personnel play in rescue operations.
At the event, Del Rio Sector Chief Robert Danley highlighted the gravity of the dangers associated with clandestine border crossings. He conveyed the stark realities with figures from fiscal year 2023, where over 1,100 rescues were performed and more than 130 deaths addressed. "These folks that cross the border illegally put themselves in very perilous situations," Danley explained. The numbers this year show a decline, but the issue has taken on a new character as crossings have become more evasive, with individuals seeking to avoid apprehension in large groups.
Following Danley, representatives from specialized units such as the U.S. Border Patrol EMTs, BORSTAR agents, and ATV units discussed their respective roles in preventing migrant deaths. The event concluded with a video presentation highlighting the perils of illegal border crossings, particularly the risky attempt to cross on a train, and preventative measures that could be taken.
In a contemporaneous interview with KSAT, Chief Danley shared his insights on the changes in migration patterns and his sector's relationship with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The conversation touched on the strategies that have led to a reduction in crossings, the legal framework agents operate within, including President Joe Biden's executive orders limiting asylum seekers, and the relationship dynamics with Texas DPS which has at times complicated the Border Patrol's operations. "My goal here is to make it as difficult as possible for the cartels and people that want to cross illegally in our area," Danley told KSAT.
The Del Rio sector, covering a vast area of 55,063 square miles and managing a border stretch of 245 miles, has been under scrutiny for the handling of immigration and smuggling activities. The sector's visibility increased following a surge in illegal crossings and the state's takeover of Shelby Park, hindering Border Patrol access. Despite these challenges, Chief Danley remains vigilant and adaptive. "And in what we’ve seen over my career is that, when we have a policy change, the adversary, the cartels, are going to make adjustments," Danley stated, reflecting an awareness that the situation on the ground is in constant flux.
