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Yuma Sector Rescues Lost Illegal Alien in Desert

Release Date
Tue, 06/16/2020

YUMA, Ariz. – A Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent from the Border Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) specialty unit, assisted by two helicopters from Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and Arizona Army National Guard (AZ ARNG), rescued a male illegal alien lost in the desert on Wednesday.

Wellton Station agents were notified Wednesday evening that an illegal alien in distress made an emergency phone call requesting assistance. Two helicopters from the Yuma Air Branch and AZ ARNG were dispatched to the estimated location in the Bryan Mountains approximately 20 miles west of Ajo. The lost subject started a small fire to signal his location and the AMO helicopter crew spotted the fire. AMO personnel guided a BORSTAR agent on the ground to the lost subject.

The illegal alien, a 33-year-old male Mexican national, did not require medical attention and was transported to the Ajo Border Patrol Station for processing.

The Arizona Army National Guard is currently supporting the Department of Homeland Security on the Southwest border mission.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021