TUCSON, Ariz. – A 21-year-old man in distress was rescued by U.S. Border Patrol agents from a remote desert trail east of Why, Monday morning.
The Mexican national crossed into the United States illegally, before becoming lost. Calling 911, the man reported he was injured and experiencing extreme difficulty breathing.
An Air and Marine Operations helicopter searched the area from the air while Border Patrol agents from the Ajo Station searched on the ground. The helicopter spotted the man shortly after 10:00 a.m. and guided agents to his location where it was determined that he was in need of advanced medical care.
The man lost consciousness several times and was revived by medically trained agents.
Ajo Ambulance further stabilized the caller and requested the medical airlift that transported the man to a local hospital where was treated for injuries, and subsequently released.
The man will face immigration charges.
Anyone in immediate distress is urged to call 911 or to seek out a rescue beacon. CBP works closely with other federal, tribal, state, and local partners to resolve search and rescue operations across southern Arizona.