U.S. Border Patrol & Mexican Government Save Child

International Cooperation Pays Off

Tucson Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working with authorities from the Government of Mexico rescued a three-year-old from the hands of a smuggler Thursday evening.

Nogales Station agents apprehended a female Guatemalan national for illegally entering the United States. The woman immediately told Border Patrol agents that a smuggler had absconded into Mexico with her three-year-old daughter. The Tucson Sector Foreign Operations Branch contacted law enforcement authorities in Mexico to launch a search for the little girl. Mexican authorities worked vigorously through the night and on Friday morning announced they had located the girl. Mexican authorities escorted her to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry where she was reunited with her mother.

“Recognizing the dangers of smuggling, the Guatemalan Consulate routinely works with the US Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico to help avoid incidents that may harm or impact our co-nationals," said Julia Guzman, Guatemalan Consulate. "This young mother was fortunate to have been reunited with her daughter, but we can’t always count on good luck. Smugglers should not be trusted.”

Smuggling organizations have little regard for human life and make no exception for children. The Tucson Sector Border Patrol, in collaboration with the Guatemalan and Mexican governments, is committed to educating migrants of the dangers of dealing with smugglers. Through these coordinated efforts we continue to create a safer environment on both sides of the border.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attached website for more information.

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.