Yesterday, Air and Marine Operations agents from the McAllen Air Brach conducted a familiarization flight for TRICAMEX. The Border Patrol Missing Migrant Program conducted a tour of the Rio Grande Sector’s area of responsibility in order to familiarize the consulate officers with the hazardous terrain and dangers involved in the trek immigrants’ face when attempting to illegally enter the United States.
TRICAMEX is a consular coordination group that promotes communication, exchanges of experiences, and lessons learned in the field of protection and consular services. They are comprised of the consular offices from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.
The exercise provided a clear understanding of the areas needed to refine deterrence methodology aimed at reducing illegal entries, ultimately eradicating immigrant deaths. It also enhanced collaboration from all parties in order to create solidified prevention campaigns.
“Reducing immigrant deaths to zero is our ultimate goal,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “We will continue to work with our international partners to save lives.”
