YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents rescued a group of seven distressed Mexican nationals who were lost in the desert east of Yuma on Tuesday.
seven illegal immigrants lost in the desert.
At approximately 7:30 a.m., the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office notified Yuma Sector of an emergency phone call they received. The sheriff’s office provided the name and number of the individual along with the approximated GPS of the caller’s location. The emergency call concerned two possibly deceased individuals from a group of seven individuals lost and in distress in a remote desert area south of Dateland, Arizona. The caller stated that he and another subject climbed to the top of a mountain to make the 911 call and to start a fire, after two members of the group lost consciousness.
Wellton Station agents and Yuma Sector Border Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team agents responded to the area. After an extensive search, agents were able to locate all members of the group, which had separated. The BORSTAR agents provided life-saving aid to the three semi-conscious males, who were suffering from severe dehydration. Agents also treated other members of the group for dehydration.
Emergency medical services also responded to the scene, evaluated the subjects and deemed them fit for travel. The group was deported back to their country of origin.
Individuals may mistakenly believe that a slight decrease in temperature makes the desert less dangerous. Yuma Sector agents are dedicated to safeguarding our citizens, while making every humanitarian effort possible to rescue anyone who places their life in peril by choosing to make the dangerous trek through the desert.
lost in the desert Tuesday.
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.