see also: in May 2006 News Releases:   Seven Wanted Fugitives Apprehended by CBP Officers at Andrade Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2006 Reporting Requirements for Private Boat Operators Arriving at Port of Entry in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana   CBP Officers in Calexico Seize More Drugs, 266 Pounds of Cocaine   New Border Patrol Station Contract Awarded   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Hidden Loads of Narcotics   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than Half-Ton of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

EDINBURG, TEXAS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Rio Grande Valley Sector is re-issuing a heat advisory as temperatures consistently hover in the mid 90’s. In response to the temperatures, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector agents are in a heightened state of readiness in an attempt to reduce heat related injuries along the South Texas border.

The heat advisory is intended to raise awareness to people who are contemplating crossing illegally into the United States. Another attributing factor that causes injury and death to illegal border crossers is that all too often, alien smugglers abandon groups of people in remote areas without food and water, leaving them to survive on their own.

In addition to the advisory, Border Patrol Public Affairs Officers will coordinate with Spanish-speaking radio stations along the border and the interior of Mexico to maximize the border safety message.

Since October 1, 2005, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents and agents assigned to the Border Patrol’s Search Trauma and Rescue Team or BORSTAR, have rescued over 370 people.

BORSTAR is a self-sufficient search and rescue team capable of rapid response deployment throughout the sector. BORSTAR is an integral component of the bi-national Border Safety Initiative (BSI). The primary objective of BSI is the reduction of injuries and prevention of deaths along the southwest border region, which will create a safer border environment.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sectors’ toll free telephone number at 1-800-863-9382.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.