January 7, 10

NEWS / 2nd Baby in 10 Days Born at Calexico Downtown Port

Calexico, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry on Monday assisted paramedics with the birth of a baby, officials announced today.


At approximately 9:15 a.m., the driver of a vehicle, who was waiting in line to be inspected, walked up to a CBP officer and requested assistance for his wife who was having severe labor pains.

The officer immediately obtained a wheel chair and took the pregnant woman to a private office where she was attended by CBP officers trained as medical first responder’s until paramedics arrived on-site.


The pregnant woman, a Lawful Permanent Resident, began to have repeated contractions and told the officers that, “The baby is coming.” The officers initiated preparations for the delivery of the baby.


Just as the officers were aiding with the delivery, paramedics arrived and took over the birthing process. The paramedics requested that CBP officers remain and continue to render assistance.


Minutes after the paramedic’s arrived, a healthy baby boy was born. Both mother and child were transferred to a local hospital. A few hours later the mother reported that she and the baby were doing well.


CBP Chief Randy Arbogast, who assisted with the delivery, commented, “This was the most unbelievable and joyous moment in my CBP career.”


This baby is the second child born at the Calexico West port of entry within 10 days.


During the early morning hours on December 24, a pregnant woman walking through the pedestrian area started to go into labor. CBP officers trained as MFRT’s responded and successfully delivered a baby boy.


David Salazar, acting port director, said, “ These situations are examples of how anything can happen at a port of entry and illustrates how port personnel must be prepared to deal with all types of emergencies.”

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/01062010.xml