TUCSON, Ariz. – On Christmas Eve, U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector rescued a family of three who activated a rescue beacon near Lukeville.

Although distressed, the mother, father, and infant did not require medical attention and were transported out of the desert safely. As of December 25, 2019, Tucson Sector agents have rescued 243 individuals in just under three months.

Tucson Sector has 34 rescue beacons deployed throughout its more desolate areas, improving migrants' chances of requesting help and being saved. Unfortunately, smugglers abandon many individuals who enter the United States illegally, leaving it to U.S. Border Patrol agents to save them.

The rescue beacons were implemented under the Tucson Sector's Border Safety Initiative. This humanitarian, bi-national program is designed to educate potential migrants about the hazards of crossing the border illegally. U.S. Border Patrol encourages migrants to call 911 for help if faced with a life-threatening situation.

For more details regarding this news release, contact the Tucson Sector Public Affairs Office at TCA-PAO@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 520-748-3210. Tucson Sector is also LiveU capable. Contact us to schedule an interview.