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  4. DPS, BP Rescue Two Migrants Abandoned in Desert

DPS, BP Rescue Two Migrants Abandoned in Desert

Release Date
Mon, 09/24/2018

TUCSON, Ariz. – Ajo Station Border Patrol agents and an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter aircrew rescued two illegal aliens southwest of Tucson Sunday afternoon who had been abandoned by their smuggler.

Agents encountered two distressed young men without provisions on a desolate hilltop, approximately 10 miles north of the border. One of the subjects, a 20-year-old Mexican national, was severally dehydrated and in need of medical care.

A DPS Ranger helicopter unit assisted by extracting the man and transporting him to an awaiting air ambulance.  The subject was subsequently taken to a local hospital for further care.

The other subject, a 17-year-old Mexico national, did not require medical attention and was transported to the Ajo Border Patrol Station to be processed for immigration violations.

The older individual will also be processed for immigration violations once he is medically cleared.

Collaboration between law enforcement agencies in remote border communities increases the public’s safety by providing a unified response effort in critical life and death situations.   

Arizona’s desert is merciless for those unprepared for its remote, harsh terrain and unpredictable weather. The Border Patrol advises anyone in distress to call 9-1-1 or activate a rescue beacon as soon as possible.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021