New Drone Program Assists in the Rescue of One Woman and Two Teenage Girls from Blazing Desert Heat

SALTON CITY, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector rescued three suspected illegal aliens lost in the desert approximately 60 miles northwest of the Calexico West Port of Entry Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m., when an El Centro Sector Border Patrol radio operator received a telephone call from 911 stating that they had received a call from three women that were lost and in distress.  The women informed 911 that they had crossed illegally and were lost north of the Highway 86 Checkpoint.  El Centro Sector immediately notified agents in the field of the three lost people in distress and the search began.

Agents searching for the trio soon realized that time was of the essence and requested air support.  A Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) drone team was immediately activated to help assist in the search.

Border Patrol agents operating the SUAS drone successfully located the three individuals approximately 45 minutes after the telephone call.  They quickly guided agents to the lost individuals.  Agents, who are trained first responders, immediately began to treat them for dehydration while they waited for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to arrive.  A local EMS shortly arrived on scene and assessed the woman and two teenage girls.  The three women were responsive, alert and cleared on scene after rehydrating.

Additionally, there was an excessive heat warning issued as temperatures would rise over 104-degrees Tuesday.  There was no water or shade available in the remote area of the desert where the three women were located.  The three individuals stated that they were dropped off south of the checkpoint with no food or water and with no intention of being picked up again.

“The Border Patrol will use any and all available assets when it comes to preservation of any and all life,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. “Fortunately, our new SUAS drone program was available and able to assist our agents in the rescue of these three illegal aliens.”

The three women, two unaccompanied juveniles and one adult, all Mexican nationals, were immediately expelled back to their country of origin.