Three individuals were tragically killed and one was injured when a UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed in the Rio Grande Valley during a federal operation at the US-Mexico border. The incident occurred in Lagrula, Texas, where the wreckage of the aircraft now rests in an empty field.
The crew on board consisted of three U.S. National Guard soldiers and one U.S. Border Patrol agent. According to U.S. Border Patrol Counsel Chris Cabrera, the team was on a routine patrol when the helicopter experienced a mechanical issue, leading to a hard landing. They were reportedly tracking individuals who had crossed into the country at the time of the crash.
The mission being carried out by the crew was part of a federal support operation at the border and was unrelated to Texas' Operation Lone Star. ICE Director Tom Homan highlighted the collaborative efforts between Border Patrol agents and National Guard soldiers, emphasizing the risks these individuals face daily in their line of duty.
Meanwhile, in border towns like Eagle Pass, the migrant crisis continues to pose challenges. Large groups are still crossing the Rio Grande, prompting law enforcement to pursue suspected human smugglers. Kinney County Attorney Brent Smith expressed concerns over the security threats posed by the situation.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas lamented the crash as a tragic event and raised concerns about the impact of the Biden administration's policies on border safety. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working to secure the border.
