VIDEO RELEASE: Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol Agents Perform a Hoist Rescue of a Migrant in the Baboquivari Mountains

TUCSON, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO)

agents and U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) hoisted an injured migrant in a remote location in the Baboquivari Wilderness Peak area Friday.

On Jan 22, Arizona Air Coordination Center received information Pima County/City of Tucson 911 center that a migrant was lost somewhere in the Baboquivari Mountains. The individual was advised to stay in place while agents responded.

At approximately 4 p.m., an AMO Black Hawk crew from the Tucson Air Branch with members of the Tucson Sector BORSTAR team aboard responded to the coordinates provided. Based on the terrain, inclement weather conditions, and condition of the individual, the Black Hawk crew determined that a hoist rescue was required.  The Black Hawk crew lowered an AMO Aviation Enforcement Agent 50 feet to the injured individual below.  After ascertaining the medical status of the individual, the Black Hawk crew returned and hoisted the individual to a BORSTAR team in the aircraft. The individual was transported to the Border Patrol facility near San Miguel, Arizona to determine if further medical attention was necessary.

 “Our aircrews risk their lives every day to help those in need,” said Deputy Director, Tucson Air Branch, Hunter Robinson.  “Air and Marine Operations Agents routinely place themselves in hazardous situations to bring help to those in need along the border, in our communities, and across the nation.”

In FY20, Tucson aircrews rescued 46 individuals, so far in FY21, Tucson aircrews have rescued 11 individuals.