Border Patrol Rescues Guatemalan National

Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector CBP Border Patrol agents conducting training operations north of Sasabe, Ariz., discovered a Guatemalan male face down in the desert Saturday evening. The man, who had entered the U.S. illegally, was found alive but unconscious approximately 17 miles north of the border in the Sonoran desert.

Due to the remote terrain, emergency medical services were contacted immediately while agents prepared a helicopter landing zone. A Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine helicopter was diverted to the scene to extract the man and fly him to SR-286 for transport to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

The blistering heat is but one of the many dangers encountered by illegal aliens attempting to cross the desert on foot. Between Oct. 1, 2011, and May 1, 2012, Border Patrol agents rescued 200 individuals in distress. As agents prepare for another hot summer, the community is encouraged to share these stories with individuals considering illegal entry into the country.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.