Border Patrol rescues immigrants lost in mountains

OCOTILLO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Four individuals lost in the Jacumba Mountain Wilderness were out of options when they called 911 for help.

The four made the emergency call Thursday morning, shortly after 9:00 a.m.

The temperature was around 100-degrees and the terrain in that area is mountainous and extremely dangerous. 

As temperatures in the Desert Southwest continue to rise, journeys like this will only get more dangerous.

El Centro Sector Border Agents say the four were attempting to enter the United States illegally through the tricky landscape.

Dispatch pinpointed the coordinates of the immigrant's location through their cell phones. Agents were able to locate two of the four individuals soon after.

Border Patrol says the two appeared extremely tired and dehydrated due to extreme weather conditions.

Agents then requested air support and called upon the Border Search Trauma and Rescue team (BORSTAR) to assist searching for the two remaining indivuduals.

Air and Marine Operations (AMO) also assisted out of San Diego in a Blackhawk helicopter. It was AMO who successfully gained visuals.

BORSTAR agents quickly responded to the two remaining individuals and provided them with water to rehydrate.

Agents say all four immigrants stated they were not injured and appeared to be in good health. Emergency Medical Technicians evaluated and medically cleared the individuals.

The two men, one male juvenile and one female were transported to El Centro station to be processed for illegal entry.  

“This rescue is another reminder of the risks and dangers associated with illegally crossing into the United States.  The high temperatures and dangerous terrain could be deadly,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. 

“Saving a life is always a priority; this rescue can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of our agents who work tirelessly to protect and secure the Southwest Border.”