Updates

Border Patrol and Texas National Guard Launch Next Phase of Operation Jump Start in Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas — Today, the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector received the second deployment of Texas National Guardsmen in support of Operation Jump Start. The guardsmen will be deployed as Entryentification Teams and will assist the Border Patrol as additional “eyes and ears” on the border. The guardsmen will provide critical law enforcement support in manning detection equipment on the border as well as in command centers. With the Texas National Guard providing this much needed support, Border Patrol agents will be free to concentrate on border enforcement.

 “As we continue to infuse Texas National Guardsmen into day-to-day operations, we are in effect, strengthening our border security capabilities along our nation’s borders,” said Chief Patrol Agent Lynne M. Underdown. “Through efforts like the Secure Border Initiative, increased National Guard personnel to the border and the steadfast efforts of frontline Border Patrol agents, we are making the community, South Texas and this nation safer and more secure.”  

Chief Patrol Agent Lynne M. Underdown with Lieutenant Colonel Jose M. Carrillo, Texas National Guard Rio Grande Valley Sector Task Force OIC-Border Support. “We have experienced a rapid and successful integration of the first deployment of National Guardsmen to Operation Jump Start,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Jose M. Carrillo, Texas National Guard Rio Grande Valley Sector Task Force OIC-Border Support. “This deployment will have equal success in joining this operation. We are very pleased to be working with an organization as professional as the Border Patrol.”  

Operation Jump Start is a short-term measure and internal bridge with the National Guard that allows the Border Patrol to increase border security capabilities while additional Border Patrol agents are trained at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.  

To report suspicious activity, contact the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sectors’ toll free telephone number at 1-800-863-9382.

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release no address available at this time Rio Grande SectorBorder Patrol Public Affairs Office Phone: (956) 289-4844 CBP HeadquartersOffice of Public Affairs1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.Room 3.4AWashington, D.C. 20229 Phone: (202) 344-1770 or(800) 826-1471 Fax: (202) 344-1393