CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 20, South of Three Points, AZ

Heavy Rains Produced Unsafe Conditions
Monday, December 03, 2007

Tucson, Ariz. – On the night of November 14, 2007, US Border Patrol and BORSTAR Agents rescued a group of 20 people from being stranded and possibly suffering from hypothermia south of Three Points, Ariz. The group had traveled more than 20 miles in the desert until the heavy rains of the weekend filled nearby washes with high running water that produced strong currents making it dangerous to cross.

Border Patrol initially received a call from an unidentified caller reporting of two individuals near Elkhorn Ranch requesting help due to the possibility of suffering from hypothermia. The cooperative efforts of BORSTAR agents, CBP Air helicopters, and Tucson Station Border Patrol Agents led to successful location of the two individuals. Upon making contact with the individuals, agents were told of a group of Mexican Nationals stranded a few miles back due to the rapid currents of a wash. An immediate search of the surrounding area led to the successful location of the group.

All 20 people in the group were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally in the United States and each requested a voluntary return to Mexico. Later, after being deemed fit for travel; the group was processed for removal proceedings to Mexico.