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  4. Tucson Border Patrol Holds Annual Border Safety Initiative

Tucson Border Patrol Holds Annual Border Safety Initiative

Release Date
Thu, 05/03/2018

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol officials held their annual Border Safety Initiative event today in Amado, Arizona, to promote messaging about the dangers migrants face when illegally crossing into the United States.

Every year, the Border Patrol partners with consulates from various countries, media entities, and stakeholders to educate would-be migrants on the risks associated with crossing through Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

This year’s event was held in a remote location west of Interstate 19 and simulated a short-haul extraction by an Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter. Afterwards, participants hiked a half-mile through the desert to witness a second rescue involving a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations UH-60 Blackhawk and flight crew. Both simulated rescues demonstrated how the Border Patrol and their law enforcement partners work together to save lives.

In addition to hearing remarks from Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch, other guest speakers included Pima County Sherriff Mark Napier, Arizona DPS Aviation Commander Terry Miyauchi, and Aguilas del Desierto representative Ellie Ortiz.

Chief Karisch told attendees, “We want to prevent tragedy by raising public awareness to alert migrants of the dangers associated in crossing the border through the desert or being placed in perilous situations by smugglers. We must continue to work together in a collaborative effort to reach potential migrants in their homes, before they make that fateful decision to leave and unknowingly risk their lives.”

Tucson Sector Border Patrol encourages anyone in distress to call 9-1-1 or use a rescue beacon as soon as possible.

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Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021