TUCSON – Tucson Sector’s Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue, and Mobile Response Team agents, along with an Air and Marine Operations aircrew rescued two distressed brothers, found miles apart northeast of Ajo.
When agents responded to a ground-sensor activation shortly before sunrise, they observed what appeared to be a signal fire north of their location. Agents aboard AMO’s Blackhawk helicopter investigated and found a 48-year-old Mexican man in distress. While EMT-certified agents were treating the man, they noticed a similar fire a few miles south. Agents went to investigate the second location and found a 43-year-old Mexican man also in distress.
Agents soon learned both men were brothers and had illegally entered the United States. Due to their remote location and their dire medical state, agents transported the men, via helicopter, to the Ajo Border Patrol Station where ambulances were waiting to provide further treatment and transport the brothers to a local hospital.
Once the brothers are cleared by medical staff, they will be processed per Tucson Sector guidelines for immigration violations.
Due to the extreme heat, Tucson Sector Border Patrol officials warn that summer is an especially dangerous time to be stranded in Arizona’s desert. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should call 9-1-1 immediately as dehydration can be deadly if not treated.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Contacting the Border Patrol to report illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.
