Border crossers call for rescue from desert

Four illegal immigrants left behind by a guide in the super-heated desert near Green Valley were rescued by Border Patrol agents who tracked them through a cell phone call for help.

The Border Patrol said the rescue occurred near White House Canyon Road on Wednesday.

An gent said one of the illegals used a cell phone to call 9-1-1, and a local emergency dispatcher relayed the call. Agents from BORSTAR — Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue — were first on the scene and provided first aid.

A statement said, “The individuals suffered from severe dehydration due to the extreme heat.”

After giving them aid, the Border Patrol returned them to Mexico.

Another July 4 rescue occurred near State Route 286 north of Sasabe and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.

This rescue was also triggered by a 9-1-1 call.

The reporting agency alerted the Border Patrol and BORSTAR agents went to the rescue.

The call said two of the illegal crossers had passed out. A total of six had been left behind by guides.

“Agents responded to the call and located all individuals and began providing initial care to the subjects,” said a press release.

Two were taken to Tucson’s St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment and the others were returned to Mexico.

Temperatures were 110 degrees or hotter in the desert Wednesday.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749