LAS CRUCES, N.M. – U.S. Border Patrol Agents rescued an individual in severe distress who was abandoned in the desert by human smugglers today.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents received a phone call from New Mexico State Police requesting assistance in locating a person that was in distress south of the I-10 Checkpoint.
Las Cruces Border Patrol Agents, assisted by Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO), were able to locate the individual south of Chappel, N.M. Agents evaluated the individual at the scene and subsequently advised via service radio that medical attention was required.
Due to the remote location and the hostile terrain, the agent had to transport the individual to a dirt road to meet the ambulance. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived and determined that the individual needed serious medical attention and transported the adult male to a local hospital. The man was admitted to the hospital after medical staff determined he was in critical condition.
“Had it not been for the life-saving efforts of our Border Patrol Agents, AMO pilots, in coordination with our local law enforcement and EMS partners, this subject may have perished,” stated El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Once again, the Transnational Criminal Organizations recklessly placed another human being in harm’s way after smuggling and later abandoning him in a remote desert location.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509. Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.