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Border Patrol Rescues Continue to Climb

Release Date
Tue, 06/27/2017

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents rescued 19 people in the past six days (June 21-26) and the numbers are expected to climb along with Arizona’s deadly heat.

Rescue Beacon
Rescue beacon

Shifting resources to the west desert area, between Tucson and Yuma, has helped the Border Patrol rapidly reach more people in distress who might otherwise have perished in the heat. However, Tucson Sector officials continue to warn the public – north and south of the border – that hiking through the desert is especially dangerous this time of year.

Border Patrol officials urge anyone in distress, for any reason, to call 9-1-1 or activate a rescue beacon before becoming a casualty. In fiscal year 2016, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents rescued more than 1,400 people; mostly in western Arizona.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021