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AMO and USBP Rescue Undocumented Alien Trapped by Wildfire

Release Date
Mon, 10/05/2020

DOUGLAS, Ariz. –U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents on a training mission diverted to collaborate with U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents to rescue a distressed undocumented alien surrounded by fire and smoke.

On Thursday, AMO Air Interdiction Agents in Arizona responded to a call to rescue an undocumented alien trapped by a forest fire east of Douglas.

Scanning from an ASTAR helicopter and unmanned aerial systems aircraft, AMO’s aircrews arrived in the area and attempted to land near the individual but were unsuccessful due to the flames. In a second attempt, the aircrew picked up two Border Patrol agents and dropped them nearby the area to attempt the rescue on foot. The agents were able to locate and assist the distressed individual to reach the helicopter. The AMO helicopter crew then flew one agent and the individual to Hedglen Forward Operating Base, rescuing her from possible tragedy. There, a BP EMT treated her on scene before Douglas EMS transported her to a local hospital in fair condition.

Aircraft dropping Slurry nearby in an effort to stop the progress of a forest fire
Aircraft dropping Slurry nearby in an effort to
stop the progress of a forest fire

“The brave efforts of our AMO agents and our Border Patrol partners were paramount to bringing this person to safety,” said Jose Muriente, Director Air Operation, National Air Security Operations Center—Sierra Vista, Arizona.

AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation andmaritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation's interior.

 -CBP-

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP’s mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona.

 

 

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