TUCSON, Ariz. – For the second time this month, U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to dozens of 911 calls, rescuing more than 30 migrants throughout southern Arizona over the weekend.
illegal aliens who have become lost or
abandoned by smugglers across the
unforgiving Sonoran Desert.
Tucson Sector agents received numerous 911 distress calls starting Friday, many from migrants claiming to be lost in the desert within the Tohono O’odham Indian reservation. The majority of callers were Mexican men who illegally entered the country through the desert and were then presumably abandoned by their smuggler.
Several migrants suffering minor injuries were treated in the field by agents trained as EMTs. Two migrants were taken to area hospitals for more serious, but non-life threatening, heat related injuries.
Agents also rescued five migrants who activated a rescue beacon after becoming lost in the remote mountains west of Ajo.
All individuals rescued are processed for applicable immigration violations once they are medically cleared for travel.
Arizona’s desert is dangerous for those unprepared for its remote, harsh terrain and unpredictable weather. The U.S. Border Patrol advises anyone in distress to call 911 or activate a rescue beacon as soon as possible.
For more details regarding this news release, contact the Tucson Sector Public Affairs Office at tca-pao@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 520-748-3210. Tucson Sector is also LiveU capable. Contact us to schedule an interview.