Helicopter crash kills three during border operations

Tragic ⁣Helicopter Crash Claims Lives⁣ of National Guard Troops and Border⁤ Patrol​ Agent

Two ​National Guard troops and one⁢ Border Patrol agent tragically‍ lost their ‌lives‌ in a helicopter⁣ crash while⁢ conducting operations ‍along the southern border in Texas. The UH-72 Lakota helicopter, carrying three National Guard ⁤troops and a Border Patrol agent, was patrolling the border in Starr County⁢ when the accident occurred. ⁣Although​ one National Guard soldier survived and ⁤is⁢ receiving‍ medical treatment, the loss ‍of these brave individuals is devastating.

“Kelly & I, & ⁤the National Guard⁣ family, send our deepest ‍condolences to the families, loved⁤ ones, friends & colleagues of the two Army National⁤ Guard ‌Soldiers ‌and the U.S. Border Patrol officer ⁢killed in today’s helicopter ​crash in Texas. ⁣We mourn these heartbreaking deaths.”

-⁣ General ⁤Daniel Hokanson (@ChiefNGB) March 9,⁣ 2024

General Daniel Hokanson, the chief of ⁣the National Guard Bureau, expressed his condolences and emphasized the selfless service ⁣and ⁤dedication these individuals represented. He also requested prayers for the⁣ speedy recovery of the injured Guard ​Soldier.

The cause of the ⁢crash, which occurred during aviation operations near Rio Grande City, Texas, is ⁢still under investigation.⁣ The ⁣names of the deceased will​ not be released until their ⁢families have been notified.

According to Starr County ⁤Sheriff’s Deputies, the crash took‍ place in the eastern part⁢ of the county. Fox News ​reported‍ that footage obtained from a Customs and Border Protection ‍source showed Mexican cartel members laughing ‍as the helicopter went down, with one person even⁣ shouting derogatory remarks. This disturbing ​incident highlights the dangers faced by⁤ those ‍protecting our ‍borders.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ ​APP

Starr‌ County has ‍been a hotspot​ for border crossings, leading ‍the ​Department ⁤of Homeland ‌Security⁣ to waive certain⁣ legal requirements for ‍the⁢ construction of a border wall in the county.⁣ This tragic​ incident⁤ serves as a ‍reminder of the⁣ ongoing challenges faced by border security personnel.

Under President Joe Biden, there‌ has been a surge in illegal immigration, prompting calls for stricter‍ border ‌control measures‍ and a reconsideration of previous executive orders. ​The loss of these brave individuals⁤ underscores the urgency of addressing the ‌border crisis.

How does the UH-72 Lakota helicopter support reconnaissance​ and support missions?

Patrol agent who lost their lives in yesterday’s helicopter crash in Texas,” expressed Governor Greg Abbott in a solemn statement. ​”These brave ‌men and women put their lives on the ‍line every day to protect⁢ our borders and keep‌ our communities safe. We are forever grateful for their ‌service ‍and sacrifice.”

The UH-72 Lakota helicopter, a versatile aircraft commonly used for‍ reconnaissance and support missions,⁢ was carrying out‌ its duties when tragedy struck. ​The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to determine what led to ⁢this devastating ​accident. Preliminary reports suggest that adverse weather conditions may have played a role, but further evaluation is necessary to ⁤confirm ⁤these findings.

The fallen National‌ Guard soldiers were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert E. Mitchell Jr., age 36, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Thalia ​S. Ramirez, age 36. Both⁤ soldiers ‍were part of the Texas​ Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, based in⁣ San Antonio.​ Their dedicated ⁢service and commitment to⁤ protecting our borders will forever be remembered and honored.

The Border Patrol ⁤agent, whose identity ⁣is being withheld ⁢at ⁣this time out of respect‍ for the family, ⁤was‍ a‍ valued member of the law enforcement⁢ community. As‍ a ​Border Patrol agent, their‍ duty was to safeguard our ‌borders and prevent the illegal entry of ⁤individuals and contraband. Tragically, they⁢ lost their life while ‍fulfilling‌ this ​vital mission.

The surviving National Guard soldier, whose identity ⁤has also not been disclosed,⁢ is currently​ receiving medical treatment.⁣ The recovery process will undoubtedly be challenging, both physically ‍and emotionally. However, the outpouring of support from the community, fellow soldiers, and law enforcement agencies has been heartening. Our thoughts and prayers are with this soldier as they ⁢navigate through this difficult time.

In response to the tragedy, Texas National​ Guard and Border ⁢Patrol ‍officials ⁣have‍ expressed their condolences and pledged their support to the families of the fallen soldiers and the injured soldier. Governor Abbott has called for flags to​ be flown ⁣at half-staff across the state, demonstrating unity and mourning for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

This unfortunate incident serves as a⁢ stark reminder of the risks that our ⁣National Guard troops and law enforcement agents face daily. ​Their unwavering⁢ dedication to safeguarding our borders should never be taken⁢ for granted. As we mourn the loss of these brave individuals, let us⁢ also honor their memory ‌by recognizing and appreciating ⁢the selfless work of all those who serve‌ to protect⁢ our nation’s borders.

May the families and loved ones of the National Guard troops and Border ⁢Patrol agent find solace⁢ in the knowledge that⁣ their‌ loved ones’ sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands ⁣with them during this time of immense grief, offering support and gratitude ⁣for the brave servicemen⁣ and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.