TUCSON, ARIZ.—Two women from a local humanitarian group received assistance from Nogales Station Border Patrol agents after finding themselves stranded in the Tumacacori Mountains Friday night.
The women, volunteers from the Tucson-based Samaritans humanitarian group, became stranded when their vehicle failed to start. Fortunately, at least one of the women had a GPS device equipped with a button for summoning help.
Two Border Patrol agents from the Nogales Station's all-terrain vehicle unit found the women after receiving a call from the woman's husband who relayed the coordinates from the GPS device. Temperatures were below freezing when the women were found.
Agents were able to jump-start the Samaritans' vehicle and then followed them to I-19 to ensure their safety. The Samaritans stopped at the checkpoint to thank the Border Patrol; both appeared to be in good condition.
The Sonoran Desert is dangerous and prolonged exposure to the harsh environment can be deadly. While the desert is most commonly associated with extreme heat, temperatures can drop drastically in the winter and hard winter freezes are common. The Tucson Sector has thousands of agents trained as First Responders who are able to provide aid to anyone in need, regardless of nationality.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.