Agents say it’s easier to track immigrants in dry weather

POSTED: 07:28 PM CST Jan 07, 2015 UPDATED: 07:35 PM CST Jan 07, 2015

HIDALGO COUNTY -

Border Patrol agents are dealing with muddy conditions along the Rio Grande.

Agents said it’s easier to track smugglers and illegal immigrants in dry conditions. The muddy terrain poses extra challenges for agents and their vehicles.

“After it rains, you can't get to certain spots,” Agent Joe Gutierrez said.

“If you don't have a four-by-four vehicle, you could easily get stuck and be out there two or three hours,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said smugglers don't let rain stop them from getting people across the river. The wet weather forces agents in the field to create a new game plan.

“Operations do change. We're not going to be having agents in these areas because it is so rainy. You rely on your different technology to secure the border,” Gutierrez said.

Typically agents patrol the trails near the river while riding in their vehicles. Gutierrez said muddy terrain makes more work for agents.

“We have to get off and follow the sign. We also have our ATV units that patrol. We have our horse patrol and we also have our aerostat technology that is able to detect these immigrants that are out here in the brush,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez drives a Border Patrol vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive.

“They're made to withstand anything we throw at them,” he said.

A Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden patrolling the area got stuck in the mud.

“Whenever it rains, we try not to come around this area because we know for sure we're going to get stuck,” Gutierrez said.
Border Patrol agents are dealing with muddy conditions along the Rio Grande.


http://www.krgv.com/news/local-news/...atrol/30584846