El Centro Sector Border Patrol Saves Lost Man in Mountains

Ocotillo, Calif. – On March 11, 2012, Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Station rescued an illegal alien lost in the mountains.

The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m., after Border Patrol agents were alerted by Imperial County Sheriff’s Office that a male had called 911 and reported that he was lost in the mountains. Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents responded to the area.

After a 4 hour extensive search of the mountainous terrain, agents were able to locate a 35-year-old Mexican male. The man stated that he had been left behind by his group and became lost.

Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey A. Calhoon stated, “It is common that smugglers operate with little concern for the lives of the illegal aliens they attempt to guide across the U.S.-Mexico border.”

The man was treated and was transported to the El Centro Station for processing.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.