DHS Volunteer Force to Assist Del Rio Border Patrol during Ongoing Crisis

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents across Del Rio Sector are receiving assistance from fellow government employees within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deal with a massive increase in family unit apprehensions.

“Family unit apprehensions in this sector are up over 754 percent compared to the previous fiscal year to date,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Randy Davis. “The DHS volunteer force comes at a time when the extra help is needed and appreciated.”

The DHS volunteer force is comprised of government employees within the department and will be assigned to various stations throughout the sector. They will serve in support roles such as administration, property management, and will assist in the care of those in custody. In addition to the volunteer force, a number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers and teams of Homeland Security Investigation Special Agents will be assisting Del Rio Sector agents with processing and investigations.

There have been 11,840 family unit apprehensions in the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector for Fiscal Year 2019 to date (April 30), which is a 754 percent increase compared to the Fiscal Year 2018 to date. However, an estimated 6,000 people have crossed illegally through Del Rio Sector’s area of responsibility and have not been apprehended. This is due, in part, to the increase in family unit apprehensions, which requires more agents to process and care for those in custody.

With the overwhelming number of family units in custody, the DHS volunteer force will work to alleviate some of the workload allowing more Border Patrol agents to return to enforcement operations along the border.