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Air Support Provides Crucial Assistance to USBP Agents

Release Date
Fri, 04/05/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three illegal aliens, seized 286 pounds of marijuana, and rendered aid to an injured agent west of Nogales, Thursday.

An injured agent had to be rescued from a mountain top by a National Guard helicopter
An injured agent had to be rescued
from a mountain top by a National
Guard helicopter

Thursday afternoon, agents assigned to the Nogales Station detected a group of suspected narcotics smugglers west of Nogales. Agents began tracking the suspected smugglers through mountainous terrain, while Mobile Response Team agents on board a National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter deployed to assist.

After a brief foot pursuit, agents found and arrested three Mexican men, all illegally present in the U.S., carrying six large packs of marijuana.

During the arrest, an agent fell nearly 15 feet and sustained injuries to his head and extremities.

A CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter was sent to the scene to extract the agent using a hoist.  Agents stabilized the injured agent and transferred him to an awaiting air ambulance for transport to a local hospital.

Agents seized the drugs and transported the aliens to the Nogales Station for processing. The injured agent was treated and later released. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021