Air and Marine Ops Locates, Retrieves Abandoned Woman

The Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and US Border Patrol agents reported a successful evacuation of a female migrant from the Baboquivari Mountains on the night of January 20. 

The rescue was set into action when local emergency responders were called from the lost migrant who reportedly was abandoned in the midst of the desert. She said she could no longer attempt to trek on her own, as she had been left to wander for 4 straight days. “The desert is dangerous, and smugglers take no issue abandoning migrants once their profit is made,” said Tucson sector chief patrol agent John Modlin. “A cell phone can be the difference between life and death. But the bottom line for migrants is – They shouldn’t cross.”

The call was pinpointed deep in the Baboquivari Mountain range near North Pass, a rugged, remote area about 12 miles north of the border. Agents instructed the woman to stay in place and help would be on the way. The rescue opportunity gave the patrol a chance to take their Airbus AS350 A-Star out for a spin, landing in the mountainous terrain and quickly flying the woman back to the San Miguel Forward Operating Base.

The treacherous Arizona border is a difficult, demanding trek even with plentiful preparation and equipment, but for those left without supplies, direction, or assistance it can quickly prove fatal. 

“Flying in the mountains in the Tucson area is challenging and dangerous, especially at night.” said Director, Tucson Air Branch, Michael Montgomery.  “The safety of our agents and the people we encounter in the field are our highest priority.”

FMI: www.cbp.gov