DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector’s Del Rio Station discovered five unaccompanied migrant children, Dec. 22.
Around 8 a.m., Border Patrol agents encountered a group of 27 migrants shortly after they illegally entered the United States near Del Rio. The group included a six-year-old child who was caring for her one-year-old cousin, and a five-year-old traveling alone. The children had handwritten notes containing phone numbers of relatives in the United States. One child had a copy of a birth certificate.
Later in the morning, agents encountered a group of five migrants near Del Rio. Within the group were two unaccompanied siblings, ages nine and seven. The children had contact information for relatives in the United States and birth certificates.
“These five children made a very dangerous journey,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens. “They were put into the hands of criminal smugglers by the very people who are supposed to take care of them. I’m just thankful that Border Patrol agents were there to intercede and ensure their safety before anything bad could happen.”
All five children are nationals of Honduras and will be processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.