OCOTILLO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector rescued an illegal alien from the harsh mountains Wednesday morning after being abandoned.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:46 a.m., when agents assigned to patrol the mountains west of Calexico had apprehended three illegal aliens. One of the arrested individuals informed Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team (BORSTAR) agents that a man was left behind in the mountains without water. Knowing the specific dangers of being lost and disoriented in the vast terrain agents immediately set in motion efforts to rescue the man.

At around 11 a.m., a Department of Defensive (DOD) Black Hawk helicopter joined in the rescue and canvased the general area while ground agents tracked the smuggling route. Minutes later, at about 11:22 a.m., DOD spotted the individual and transported a ground agent to his location. An agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) assessed the man’s condition and determined him to be in good health. Agents assisted the man out of the mountainous terrain not accessible by vehicle.

“The United States Border Patrol goes all in when it comes to training agents to prepare for and perform these type of rescues,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “I can think of no greater investment then the investment in the preservation of life.”

All four men were transported to the El Centro Border Patrol station for processing.