Illegal immigrant rescued from Rio Grande after spending 5 days in a tree


Posted on August 3, 2010 at 1:12 PM

Updated today at 1:12 PM


HIDALGO, Texas -- A Mexican man trying to enter the U.S. illegally across the rain-swollen Rio Grande is awaiting medical clearance before he is returned to Mexico after spending five days in a tree surrounded by water.

The U.S. Border Patrol says agents rescued the man Monday after Hidalgo County workers near the river reported hearing screams for help.

U.S. Border Patrol spokeswoman Rosalinda Huey says the man was severely dehydrated and had not eaten in five days. He was taken to a local hospital.

The man told rescuers that he was stranded in the tree while trying to reach the U.S. riverbank. The river has only recently fallen below flood stage after weeks of flooding from Hurricane Alex.



http://www.khou.com/news/texas-news/Ill ... 62804.html