A helicopter carrying National Guard and Border Patrol agents crashed Friday over the U.S. southern border, killing three people, National Guard Gen. Daniel Hokanson said in a statement.

The crash occurred mid-afternoon as the UH-72 Lakota helicopter was conducting an “air operation” near Rio Grande, Texas. according to to the statement. The helicopter is assigned to federal border patrol duty and the cause is under investigation. (Related: Despite vague messages about improved safety, Pentagon lifts Osprey flight ban)

“To our National Guard families, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends, and co-workers of the two Army National Guard members and one U.S. Border Patrol agent killed in today's helicopter crash in Texas,” Hokanson said. he said in a statement. statement On Twitter.

Kelly and I and our National Guard families extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends, and colleagues of two Army National Guard members and a U.S. Border Patrol agent killed in today's helicopter crash in Texas. . We mourn these heartbreaking deaths. They are… pic.twitter.com/8WZ6wtTujI

— General Daniel Hokansson (@ChiefNGB) March 9, 2024

One soldier on board the helicopter survived the crash and suffered serious injuries, the statement said.

“We mourn these heartbreaking deaths. They are tragic losses that cannot be described in words. We wish the third Guardsman, who was seriously injured, a speedy recovery,” Hokansson said. .

The Starr County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that it is assisting with the investigation related to the helicopter crash. according to to a Facebook post.

The helicopter was flying as part of Operation Lone Star, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's mission to secure the state's borders. according to To the Associated Press.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered more than 750,000 illegal immigrants at the southern border in fiscal year 2024. according to to federal data.

The National Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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