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  4. Combined rescue between BORSTAR and Military Members Save Immigrants Life

Combined rescue between BORSTAR and Military Members Save Immigrants Life

Release Date
Thu, 06/30/2022

OCOTILLO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from El Centro Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team along with military rescue helicopter were instrumental in the lifesaving rescue of an undocumented individual in the Jacumba Wilderness region.

U.S. Border Patrol agents assist migrants on to a helicopter in a remote mountain area
U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team along with military rescue helicopter rescue lost migrants in a remote mountainous area in the Jacumba Wilderness region.

At approximately 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, El Centro Station notified BORSTAR of three lost individuals in distress. BORSTR agents responded immediately to the GPS coordinates. At approximately 9:30 p.m., BORSTAR agents were able to contact the lost individuals. 

Upon arrival they were informed of an individual who needed immediate medical attention. The individual was in sever heat distress, going in and out of consciousness, with labored breathing a rapid heartbeat and seizing. As EMT certified agents, BORSTAR agents began medical treatment on the individual. 

At approximately 10:30 p.m. BORSTAR agents along with a military helicopter with hoist capabilities, were able to collaborate and successfully hoist the seizing individual out of the mountainous area to a safer location for further medical treatment. The individual was transferred by air support to a local hospital. 

Agents determined that all three individuals did not possess the required documents to be legally present in the United States. All undocumented individuals will be expelled from the U.S. under Title 42.

Since October, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have successfully rescued 217 individuals who were lost, in distress, or abandoned by smugglers.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. For all news, information, and updates follow us on Twitter @CBPElCentro, @USBPChiefELC and Instagram.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Last Modified: Jun 30, 2022