Incredible cross-border rescue effort brings comfort after Texas floods

INGRAM, Texas — There’s been a massive show of support for the Texas Hill Country as first responders from all over, including Mexico, are helping with search and rescue efforts.

Mexican firefighters with the nonprofit group Fundación 911 have been active in Ingram, alongside other agencies, since Friday.

Dozens of firefighters came all the way from Acuña, Mexico. And together with other agencies, they’re helping with disaster relief. 

On Monday morning, the group recovered a body. Drone video shot by Fundación 911, working with Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department, showed them working to remove the body in order to help bring closure for a Texas family. 

Firefighter Jesus Gomez says his team was digging through the mangled mess of debris along the Guadalupe River when they found the remains.

“It was a heavy situation,” Gomez said. “We had to go inside the water. The body was pretty much buried inside all the debris, trees, trunks, sand, everything.”

These Mexican firefighters have been on the ground since Friday when flash floods raged through the Hill Country.

“They told us, ‘Come on down, we need all the help we can get,’” said Jorge Fuentes, another member of the Mexican nonprofit.

As the waters receded, we’ve seen what remains. Massive piles of destruction, torn up trees, cars and trucks destroyed.

As for the firefighters, they say their mission is fueled by compassion, not country.

“We’re brothers,” said Gomez. “There’s no flag or countries in between firefighters. We’re humans and we’re helping humans, that’s what matters.”

Their arrival has provided critical support to overwhelmed local departments and comfort to grieving families still searching for answers.

As recovery operations continue, Fundación 911 will remain in the area for the coming weeks, aiding alongside Texas first responders to clear debris, locate missing individuals, and bring closure to those affected by this sudden and tragic flooding.