OTAY MESA, Calif. – Agents from the U.S. Border Patrol’s (USBP) San Diego Sector rescued a man who crossed the border illegally on Sunday who was diabetic and medically distressed due to high heat conditions. When the individual was found, he could no longer walk.
rescued a man who was medically distressed due
to high heat conditions.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., agents responded to a distress call from a 46-year-old man who was without water and required medical attention. Air Interdiction Agents from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO), who were in the area conducting aerial operations, responded to the call and were able to locate the distressed individual. The AMO helicopter was able to guide USBP agents on the ground to the man’s location. USBP agents hiked nearly a mile of arduous terrain through the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area in 104-degree heat to provide aid.
After evaluating the immobilized man, agents requested assistance from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) unit to extract the man off the mountain. With the assistance of USBP agents, ASTREA, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the man was flown to a nearby CAL FIRE station, where he was treated by paramedics who were on standby.
Once paramedics deemed no further medical attention was needed, agents questioned the man regarding his citizenship and determined he was a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S. The man was then transported to a nearby USBP station for processing.
Commenting on the rescue, U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke stated, “Every agent is a first responder. As they steadfastly patrol the border, they often provide rescue services during medical emergencies. Their actions save lives. This is especially common when people illegally cross during the hot summer months.”
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
Watch video of the rescue.