Posted on 09/04/2012 8:59:54 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
HIDALGO – Law enforcement officials saw five to seven people leave in a vehicle on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande after Border Patrol agents were fired upon Sunday night.
Eight to 12 rounds were fired at Border Patrol agents who were patrolling the river on two boats and agents on the bank after 9 p.m. Sunday down river from the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, said Border Patrol spokesman Enrique Mendiola. Agents immediately took cover and they were not hurt. The agents did not return fire.
“They immediately took cover because obviously they were somewhat vulnerable there,” Mendiola said. “They were not able to spot their assailants.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in a helicopter saw five to seven people leave the area in a vehicle on the Mexican side, Mendiola said.
He said the Border Patrol reached out to the Mexican government, which indicated it would investigate on its side of the river, but as of Monday night there was no big break to report.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also provided backup on the ground. Originally it was reported that the Department of Public Safety had provided assistance in a helicopter, but that was actually Customs and Border Protection, Mendiola said.
Agents arrested two illegal immigrants who had crossed nearby, but determined that they were not involved in the shooting, he said.
This is not the first time Border Patrol agents have been shot at, Mendiola said, explaining that the agents are trained to be aware of their surroundings.
"Obviously our agents are well-trained,” he said. "They’re well-equipped; they’re prepared; they remain vigilant. They took the appropriate action when they heard the gunfire coming at them.”
Great little bar in Swinney Switch, TX. Plan to go back someday when I have some time off.
What! No Hellfire Predators on the border?
They needed John F’n Kerry as commander of that vessel!
The state of Texas recently spent millions on 3 heavily armed gun boats equipped with 50 cal. machine guns. One for Lake Falcon and two on the Rio Grande. Please tell me why not a single shot was fired in response to being fired upon? What has to happen before fire is returned? What?
>>Please tell me why not a single shot was fired in response to being fired upon?
From the article:
“They were not able to spot their assailants.”
No sense in firing until you have a target.
If you have a large enough artillery shell, you just have to get close.
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