Customs and Border Protection Lifesaving Efforts on Increase in Remote Desert Locations

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Tucson, Ariz. – With summer temperaturesrising, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Tucson Sector Border Patrol agentsare working diligently to save lives across southern Arizona. Multiplelifesaving rescues were recently launched in collaboration with CBP’s Office ofAir and Marine.
On June 13, a CBP helicopter located anillegal immigrant in distress, west of Green Valley, Ariz. A Border Patrolagent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician was dispatched and promptlyresponded providing intravenous fluid therapy to the illegal immigrant becauseof his deteriorating health condition. The illegal immigrant was found to beseverely dehydrated and was evacuated from the desert to an ambulance where hewas transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
In a separate incident also on June 13,a CBP helicopter located two illegal immigrants in a remote area outside ofDouglas that were suffering from severe dehydration. One man’s health was insuch poor condition that he had to be transported from the site to an awaitingambulance by the CBP helicopter. Both men were transported to a local hospitalfor further treatment.
On June 12, a Casa Grande Station agentlocated a deceased person near Topawa, Ariz. The deceased male was laterdetermined to be a Mexican national. The Tohono O’odham Police Department wascontacted and has opened an investigation.
CBP Tucson Sector Border Patrol rescueshave increased with 61 illegal immigrants rescued in May compared to 38 rescuesof individuals during May 2011. Also, a total of 19 illegal immigrants perishedin May compared to five during May 2011. Human smugglers increase their profitsby forcing ill-prepared illegal immigrants into remote regions of the desertwhich often result in loss of life. The Tucson Sector Border Patrol continuesto provide rapid response with BORSTAR, more than 200 agents cross-trained asEMTs, and collaboration with CBP air assets.
CBP welcomes assistance from thecommunity. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol andremain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection isthe unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security chargedwith the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at andbetween the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists andterrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.