DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector have arrested more Haitian nationals than people from Guatemala or El Salvador, since Oct. 1.

“This is of concern to me, Del Rio continues to be a desired location for migrants from Haiti and the continent of Africa,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “We continue to work with DHS and our law enforcement partners to address this issue.”

Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents rescue a

group of Haitian nationals making illegal entry

within Del Rio Sector.

In recent years, the majority of arrests in Del Rio Sector have come from Northern Triangle countries. This increase marks the first time that arrests of Haitian nationals have surpassed arrests of either Guatemalan or Salvadoran nationals. Since Oct 1, the beginning of Fiscal Year 2020, Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested nearly 500 Haitian nationals, more than 50 percent of total U.S. Border Patrol Haitian apprehensions.

Del Rio Sector’s total apprehensions this year, to date are in excess of 7,000, nearly a 50 percent increase in the total number of arrests made during the previous fiscal year to date. Nearly 5,000 of the individuals arrested this year, close to 70 percent, are from approximately 38 countries other than Mexico.

All immigrants arrested are medically evaluated and are referred to medical professionals for more advanced care if needed.

Interviews may be available upon request and can be arranged by contacting the number listed above.