MARFA, Texas — Border Patrol agents and National Park Service (NPS) rangers rescued 13 migrants in Big Bend National Park after receiving a report of distress within the area of the park, according to Landon Hutchens with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.
Hutchens said the migrants were abandoned by human smugglers in an isolated area near San Vicente Road Saturday. Despite the rocky, rough terrain, all of the migrants survived and were later rescued after the migrants called 911.
According to Hutchens, the 13 migrants that included children were looked at by NPS' emergency medical technician and were deemed to be in good condition.
“This rescue highlights the indifference smuggling organizations have for human life,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Marco Cervantes. “This journey is especially perilous for children, who are often placed in life-threatening situations without adequate food, water or shelter. Our agents are committed to protecting human lives and we urge everyone to avoid placing trust in these criminal networks. Smugglers do not care about human lives—they only care about profits.”