JACUMBA, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents rescued 10 illegal immigrants from severe weather conditions last night.
On Wednesday, at approximately 11:15 p.m. agents assigned to the San Diego Sector Foreign Operations Branch (FOB) received a call from Government of Mexico (GOM) officials. GOM stated that 10 people had crossed the border illegally and were currently lost and experiencing life-threatening conditions due to rain, fog, and near freezing temperatures.
Due to poor cell phone reception, FOB and GOM officials were unable to maintain contact with the lost group. GOM officials provided the last known coordinates to FOB, who relayed the coordinates to other agents. Local agents rapidly deployed to the area and located all ten people. Each person was medically evaluated and determined to be in good health.
The group was transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing. There were seven adult males and three adult females. All were Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.
“Fostering relationships with our foreign counterparts continues to pay dividends,” said U. S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Thanks to the efforts of all involved parties, these ten people are alive and well today.”
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.