Ocotillo, California - Saturday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents rescued a distressed male Mexican citizen who became lost in the mountains west of Ocotillo while attempting to illegally enter the United States.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m., when Imperial County Sheriff’s Office notified the Border Patrol that they received a 911 distress call from a man lost in the mountains.  The man claimed he was a citizen of Mexico who had crossed illegally into the U.S. near La Rumorosa, Baja California.  The man also stated that he was exhausted, out of water, and could no longer continue to travel north.

Agents immediately responded to the man’s last reported location and conducted a systematic search of the area.  At approximately 5:30 p.m., agents located a man in the rugged mountainous terrain who confirmed that he was the caller in distress.

Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents performed a medical evaluation on the man and determined he did not require further medical attention.

“This rescue is another reminder of the risks and dangers associated with illegally crossing into the United States, and can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of our agents to work tirelessly to protect and secure the Southwest Border,” said Miguel Garcia, Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector.

The 33-year-old man will be processed and repatriated to Mexico.

The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats.  We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe.  Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.