In a swift and coordinated effort, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrews, along with U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents, successfully rescued undocumented migrants who had crossed into the United States after being shot on the Mexican side of the border. The incident occurred near Papago Farms, Arizona, on August 2, 2024, though was only reported to press last week, highlighting the critical role of specialized teams and delicacy in responding to life-threatening situations at the border.
The Tucson Air Branch, utilizing UH-60 and H125 helicopters, quickly mobilized after receiving a 911 call reporting that several individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and had crossed into U.S. territory. The UH-60 crew, initially on patrol, was redirected to the scene, where they deployed a U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team to assess and stabilize the wounded.
BORSTAR agents, trained in tactical medical response, determined that two of the migrants were in critical condition and urgently needed advanced medical care. As one H125 aircrew provided aerial overwatch, the other coordinated with civilian medical services for emergency transport. However, when it became clear that the civilian evacuation would be delayed, the UH-60 aircrew took decisive action, transferring the critically injured individuals directly to a nearby medical center.
“Our crews are trained to respond to emergency situations,” said Jose Muriente, Deputy Director of Air and Marine Operations at the Tucson Air Branch. “The quick response and expertise of our aircrews and BORSTAR agents are crucial, especially when they encounter individuals with severe, life-threatening injuries.”
In addition to the two critically injured migrants, BORSTAR agents assessed the condition of the others involved. One man was found to be uninjured, while another had sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his arm. Both individuals were subsequently apprehended and processed by Border Patrol agents.
“Tucson Sector BORSTAR’s continued partnership with the Tucson Air Branch allows us to rapidly respond to critical and time-sensitive situations like this,” noted a BORSTAR representative. “Our ability to take action with the most qualified personnel ensures that we handle these emergencies with the highest level of care and precision.”
BORSTAR remains the nation’s only law enforcement entity capable of conducting both tactical medical operations and comprehensive search and rescue missions. Their agents undergo extensive and ongoing training to maintain proficiency in these high-stakes scenarios.
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations division plays a vital role in safeguarding the U.S. by leveraging their aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise. In Fiscal Year 2023, AMO’s enforcement actions led to the apprehension of nearly 90,000 undocumented individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs and weapons.
