YUMA – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector rescued two illegal aliens during separate incidents.
The first incident occurred south of Dateland, Arizona where Wellton Station Border Patrol agents responded to a rescue beacon activation. When they arrived, they found a male Mexican national disoriented and severely dehydrated. Agents requested additional medical support while treating the man with IV fluids. He was taken by air ambulance to a local hospital where he continues to receive medical care.
Agents conducted a records check on the subject and learned he had multiple convictions for driving under the influence. Records also showed he was returned to Mexico 29 times, including 17 formal deportations.
Yuma Station agents patrolling near Andrade, California, saw two men attempting to swim to Mexico via Alamo Pond. Agents noticed one of the subjects struggling to stay afloat and deployed a rescue disc. After agents pulled the struggling man to safety, he became combative. Agents eventually restrained the man and administered first aid.
Through records checks, agents learned the man was deported seven times and has multiple drug and DUI convictions.
Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Porvaznik said, “This is a great example of the dual roles our agents play on the border. They are humanitarians providing help when needed, as well as enforcers of the law protecting our community from potentially dangerous criminals.”
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to transport people and contraband illegally through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.
