Shoot Out in the Wild West? Border Patrol Uses Armored Vehicle, Huey Helicopter To Help Quell West Texas Immigration Jail Uprising

AP reports that an uprising at a privately run detention facility in Pecos, Texas ended last Friday after the release of two hostages. Detainees, including immigrant detainees, took two employees hostage when a disturbance erupted. “Texas Trooper John Barton told the Pecos Enterprise that the inmates, who include immigration detainees, were asking for better medical treatment.”

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release reports that

“Border Patrol agents from Marfa, Texas Friday responded to a request for assistance at the Reeves County Detention Center in Pecos, Texas. An uprising of prisoners was underway at the prison that had escalated to the level of a riot. Approximately 30 Marfa Sector Border Patrol Agents responded and provided perimeter security to aid in the prevention of prisoner escapes from the facility and to end the situation peaceably after approximately 17 hours. . . . An armored vehicle was deployed for the first time in anticipation of hostage rescue or evacuation of injured personnel. Customs and Border Protection Air & Marine responded with a Huey helicopter to support the Border Patrol as well as other local, state and federal agencies.”

KJ