see also: in September 2004:   The Container Security Initiative is Operational at the Port of Naples   CBP Border Patrol Agent Saves Two Human Lives   “Trouble” Shares "Top Dog" Award in the "Paws To Recognize - Salute To Canine World Heroes"   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Responds to Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detection in Tijuana   Agents Mourn and Honor the Loss of two of their own   Missing CBP Border Patrol Agents Located ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

On September 23, 2004, three people illegally crossing into the United States tragically drowned in the swift currents of the Rio Grande River. I have reviewed all available information. Our Border Patrol Agents responded accordingly to the incident.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection values and protects the sanctity of human life and our Border Patrol Agents exert the highest level of professionalism at all times. Our agents have sworn to enforce the laws of the United States and, on a regular basis, protect the lives and safety of people in distress while illegally crossing our borders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection knows well the sacrifices made by Border Patrol Agents in protecting human life.

The Border Patrol takes any allegations of misconduct very seriously. We fully support and will cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Internal Audit to fully investigate the tragic deaths of these migrants.

We are very proud of the work our agents perform every day securing the border, serving the American people, and saving lives. We are America’s frontline, keeping terrorists and their weapons out of our country. We will secure the homeland while protecting human life.

The outcome of this investigation will be made public to the extent possible and within the bounds of law.

The Border Patrol is a division of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for managing and securing our nation’s borders.