YUMA, Ariz. – Agents from the Wellton Station Target Enforcement Unit and Yuma Station rescued a Mexican national and United States citizen in two separate incidents last Thursday.
In the first incident, Yuma Sector received notification of a lost illegal alien whose last known location was within the Barry M. Goldwater Bombing Range. The mother of the lost individual had contacted the Mexican Consulate in Tucson after receiving a phone call from her son’s smuggler. The smuggler stated that he abandoned her son in the desert after being unable to keep up with the group.
Yuma Sector immediately dispatched Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue agents and coordinated Yuma Air Branch air support. At approximately 10 p.m., Wellton Station Target Enforcement Unit agents successfully located and rescued the man.
The rescued individual was a 32-year-old Mexican national who was transferred to the Ajo Station in Tucson for processing.
Later that day, Yuma Sector received a call from the Yuma Police Department about a 50-year-old man lost in the desert after his ATV became inoperable and he began walking. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Yuma Station agents located the distressed individual. U.S. Border Patrol agents, also certified Emergency Medical Technicians, arrived on scene to evaluate the individual. The man refused additional medical treatment.
The Wellton Station’s Target Enforcement Unit is a specialized team of agents that operates in high-traffic areas known for human and drug smuggling. The unit attempts to disrupt and degrade transnational criminal organizations operating within Wellton Station’s area of responsibility.
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.