Arivaca, Arizona - Tucson Station Border Patrol and Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents rescued a Guatemalan man from a remote mountain near Arivaca, Arizona on Sunday in partnership with Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The man injured himself while attempting to evade arresting agents. He was reportedly traveling in a group of 13 illegal aliens, all of whom were arrested for violating U.S. immigration law. BORSTAR medically stabilized the man and prepared him for aerial extraction. Arizona DPS Ranger 1 hoisted the man and transported him to an awaiting ambulance for treatment at a Tucson hospital.
The man was treated and released, and is expected to make a full recovery. He, along with the other 12 migrants, will remain in custody while being processed for immigration violations, in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
Patrol officials encourage anyone in distress to call 911, or activate a rescue beacon, before becoming a casualty. Illegal entry into the U.S. is unsafe and those who take the risk put themselves in mortal danger.
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.