YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from the Wellton Station apprehended one individual from a group of three illegal aliens they tracked on Sunday through a remote area of the desert and found the two other subjects deceased.
At approximately 5 a.m., Wellton Station agents apprehended a 50-year-old Mexican national illegally present in the United States, south of Wellton. The illegal alien told agents that the two others in his group had been left behind by their smuggler. Agents continued tracking the outstanding subjects and at approximately 6:50 a.m., agents found a deceased subject with no identification near the Copper Mountains.
Agents notified the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and requested additional personnel to search for the third subject. Agents continued their search while the Yuma Sector’s Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) was mobilized. At approximately 12:20 p.m., agents found clothing, food and a cell phone that the third subject left behind. Additionally, the third subject had written “HELP” on the ground of the wash with an arrow pointing north. At approximately 5:20 p.m., an AMO Yuma Air Branch EC120 helicopter discovered the third subject lying motionless on the ground. The subject was deceased.
YCSO took custody of the two deceased subjects.
“This loss of life is another sobering reminder of the dangers associated with illegally crossing our border, especially as the desert experiences extreme temperatures,” said Wellton Station Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge Joseph Remenar. “Transnational criminal organizations continue to prioritize profit over human life, even as the men and women of the Wellton Station work tirelessly to prevent these unfortunate deaths.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.