Illegal Border Crosser in Distress Rescued by Ariz. Agents

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Tucson, Ariz. - Friday afternoon, Sonoita, Ariz. station received a call from a concerned citizen stating that he had seen a person who appeared to be in distress in the desert.

Emergency Medical Technician certified Border Patrol agents from the Sonoita station were dispatched to locate the individual and assess the situation. Once EMT agents arrived at the location, they were able to determine that the distressed individual needed immediate medical attention. At approximately 4:45 p.m. the agents responding to the scene requested that an ambulance be dispatched to milepost 46 on Arizona State Route 83.

The victim, a 46-year-old man, from Tenancingo, Puebla Mexico, was in a state of severe dehydration and appeared to be suffering from exposure. The victim was able to respond to verbal questioning and relayed that he had been walking for six days in the desert, the last two had been without food or water.

The male subject was transported via ambulance to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Ariz. where he was admitted and held for medical treatment.

The man was released from Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center a few days later where he was deemed “Fit for Travel” by the attending physician.

Mexican Consul’s Office in Nogales, Ariz. was contacted and agreed to meet the male subject at the port of entry in order to facilitate his return home and additional medical treatment.

As the incoming summer heat rises, smugglers continue to jeopardize the lives of those who they bring into the country illegally. Assisted by the calls of concerned citizen’s, our agents will continue to respond in a timely manner to ultimately save lives.