Tucson Sector Border Patrol Rescues U.S. Citizen

Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working in the west desert last night rescued a U.S. citizen who was lost and disoriented in the vicinity of Lukeville, Ariz., east of Highway 85.

The Border Patrol received a forwarded 911 call from a man stating he was lost and in need of assistance. Ajo Station agents and a National Park Service officer, an emergency medical technician, located the man who was exhibiting signs of dehydration. After rendering first aid and evaluating his condition, they determined he needed further medical treatment. He was transported to a local hospital by paramedics and treated for severe dehydration and chest pains.

The Sonoran desert is always dangerous. Even during cooler months, people are vulnerable to dehydration. Temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter and soar to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Cold or hot, people stranded in the desert are at risk of death or illness due to exposure. The U.S. Border Patrol is committed to working closely with federal, state and local partners to prevent loss of life and injury in the desert.

Customs and Border Protection 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.

Coast Guard, National Park Service locate 15 suspected illegal migrants

LOS ANGELES - The Coast Guard and National Park Service conducted a joint search near Santa Cruz Island, Calif., that concluded with the apprehension of 15 suspected illegal migrants, July 10.

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center personnel received a relayed cell phone call from a person stating that he and three others had been dropped off on an island and were stranded, July 8.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles and the Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin were launched to conduct a first-light search but were unable to locate anyone.

The Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast informing mariners in the vicinity of Santa Cruz Island to contact authorities immediately if they were approached by anyone from the island asking for assistance.

A vessel contacted the Coast Guard stating they were with four people on the island who had requested assistance.  The cutter Blackfin and National Park Service personnel arrived on-scene and discovered there were 15 suspected migrants instead of the originally reported four.

All 15 people were taken onboard the Blackfin where they were transported to Santa Barbara, Calif., and transferred to the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Santa Barbara Police Department and Customs and Border Protection officers.

Members of the media are instructed to contact Ms. Yvonne Menard, National Park Service, at (805) 658-5725 and/or Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Eggers, U.S. Coast Guard, at (310) 781-0619 for interview requests.