TUCSON, Ariz. – A Border Patrol agent from Tucson Sector’s Ajo Station and an Air and Marine Operations Yuma Air Branch helicopter crew rescued an adult male Mexican national illegally present in suffering from a leg injury near Ajo, Arizona, early March 23.
Shortly before 8 a.m., the Ajo Border Patrol Station received notification of a 911 call from a man from Sinaloa, Mexico, and that he was injured with only 10 percent battery life remaining on his cell phone.
The agent responding to his location was able to get approximately 2.2 miles from his location by vehicle but had to hike the remaining distance. After an AMO crew was contacted, the pilot determined he could land nearby and transport the man to the Ajo Border Patrol Station.
After agents determined the man was illegally present in the United States and had broken his leg. Subsequently they arranged for ground transport further additional medical treatment.
“Entering the United States illegally, especially through the dangerous and unforgiving Arizona environment, is not worth risking one’s life.” said Paul Beeson, Commander of the DHS Joint Task Force West, Arizona. “As a result of unity of effort, communication and coordination, this story did not have a tragic ending.”