The two assailants then fled across the border into Mexico, Border Patrol agents said. In Mexico, the assailants were seen meeting with a group of people. One of them was spotted displaying a handgun.
The victim, a Mexican man, was safely removed from the river and taken to a hospital for medical assistance.
“These events illustrate how the men and women of the United States Border Patrol not only serve to protect our borders, but are also committed to the preservation of life and assist anyone in need,” Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good said in a statement.
In another incident near Laredo, Border officials in Texas say that illegal immigrants were found inside a tractor-trailer at a Border Patrol Checkpoint.
“The two men were found in good health and were identified as being from the country of Mexico,” the Border Patrol said in a statement on Tuesday. The driver is an American, and he was arrested for people smuggling.
“Human smugglers have no regard for safety, at many times placing individuals in life-threatening situations. The U.S. Border Patrol will continue to disrupt this smuggling trend and fulfil our commitment in keeping America and it’s communities safe,” said Good.