There are currently about 2,400 U.S. Border Patrol agents working to secure the Rio Grande Valley.
However, their human capabilities can only take them so far and that's why they depend on K-9's and technology to help stop and even rescue illegal immigrants.
Action 4 News joined several agents on a tour through Cage Ranch in Brooks County to gain new understanding about the work they do, as well as the harsh realities immigrants face when they cross into the country illegally.
Spokesperson and Agent Rosie Huey said immigrants often take the plunge without realizing all the hardships they could face not only when they cross into the U.S., but also when they try to build their lives here.
Huey said that's why now more than ever, technology plays a crucial role in not only detaining illegal immigrants but also saving their lives.
Some of the sophisticated technology agents depend on include radio towers and motion sensors.
Agent Alex Jara said the seismic sensors can differentiate between human and animal vibrations and agents get the signals from the sensors in a matter of seconds.
Those illegal immigrants that walk past the sensors through Brooks County, go through a rough terrain, plenty of obstacles like barbed-wire fences and unforgiving heat.
Huey said for those reasons, the high-tech gadgets, have also helped rescue immigrants on the brink of death.
Despite the wonders of technology, agents also continue their partnership with K-9's and depend on their keen sense of smell.
Agent Daniel Watt said the dogs are trained to sniff for human and drug cargo.
Watt said if it weren't for the highly-trained K-9's, agents may not have the high success rate at checkpoints that they do now.
Agents said with the ongoing attempts by illegal’s to get in the country and smugglers trying to distribute their drugs, they will continue utilizing as many additional resources as they can.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT