Press Release from US Border Patrol July 19, 2011:

Border Patrol Agents Confiscate Marijuana, Five Smuggling Vehicles

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana in two separate incidents yesterday with a combined value of almost $583,000.
The first incident occurred when Casa Grande Station agents, using thermal imaging technology, observed suspected cross-border activity early Monday.

Agents then closed in on the three all-terrain vehicles loaded with 15 bundles of marijuana weighing 746 pounds. The ATVs were seized and the marijuana was transported to the Casa Grande Station pending transfer to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The marijuana has an estimated value of more than $370,000.

Last night, near San Pedro Valley, agents assigned to the Willcox Station interdicted three individuals in two vehicles involved in an attempt to smuggle 419 pounds of marijuana valued at nearly $210,000. The subjects, narcotics and vehicles were transported to the Willcox Station for further processing.

Smugglers often prefer to abandon their drug loads rather than risk being caught. Anyone apprehended for smuggling will face an appropriate legal consequence. In January, the Tucson Sector enhanced our efforts on a comprehensive Consequence Delivery System designed to break the smuggling cycle.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection appreciates assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Press Release from US Border Patrol July 19, 2011:

Media Informational

TUCSON, Ariz. — The following is a rundown of activities that occurred over the last 24 hours within the Tucson Sector. This is only a thumbnail of each incident.

Arrests

(CAG) On July 18, Border Patrol agents from the Casa Grande station apprehended an illegal alien in the West Desert. During processing using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), agents found the subject had a 1993 conviction for rape in Los Angeles, as well as a conviction for felony burglary. Federal prosecution is being sought on the subject.

Rescues

(TUS) On July 18, Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents apprehended an illegal alien on State Route 286 who had abandoned his traveling companion in the desert. About 20 minutes later, BORSTAR agents located the companion who was suffering from extreme blistering to his feet. The illegal alien in distress was taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

(AJO) On July 18, Ajo Station agents apprehended two illegal aliens who had been wandering in the West Desert for five days after being abandoned by their smuggler. The illegal aliens were evaluated and treated by BORSTAR before being transported to the Ajo Station for processing.

Later, Ajo Station agents responded to an activated rescue beacon and found an illegal alien abandoned by his smuggler. The subject was medically evaluated and taken to the Ajo Station for processing.

Also yesterday, Ajo agents received a report from the Pima County Sherriff’s Office (PCSO) regarding a distressed illegal alien in the West Desert. BORSTAR agents responded, along with a PCSO canine team, and located a man suffering from dehydration. He was treated by BORSTAR agents and taken to the Ajo Station for further processing.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol remains steadfast in ensuring criminal aliens are identified and that consequences are upheld to the fullest extent of the law. At the same time, agents are specially trained to assist those in distress.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment by improving the quality of life of affected communities throughout the state of Arizona.

Customs and Border Protection appreciates the assistance of the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

~CBP~

To report illegal activity anytime and remain anonymous, call 1-877-872-7435. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with managing and protecting our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while also enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Press Release from US Border Patrol July 19, 2011:

Border Patrol Seizes Marijuana, Weapons, Stolen Vehicles

TUCSON, Ariz. – More than 1,900 pounds of marijuana, two weapons, and two stolen vehicles were seized by Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents in three separate incidents, all on Saturday.

Casa Grande agents performing tracking operations in the West Desert discovered abandoned bundles of marijuana, worth about $974,000, after tracking tire prints leading off-road. With aerial support from Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine, agents apprehended one subject and seized 84 bundles of marijuana in a pickup truck. The narcotics, subject and vehicle were transported to the Casa Grande Station for further processing.

Record checks revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Phoenix. The truck was turned over to the Arizona Theft Task Force. Prosecution is being sought on the subject in custody.

Tucson Station agents responding to a citizen report of a suspicious vehicle also followed off-road tire tracks to an abandoned pick-up truck.

This time, however, agents discovered a loaded pistol and a vehicle which had been reported stolen. The truck was turned over to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office; the pistol to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).

Casa Grande agents patrolling north of Sells discovered an abandoned AK-47 with two magazines and hand-held radios. All items are pending transfer to the BATF.

The Border Patrol is committed to preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching U.S. communities. From Oct. 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, Tucson Sector agents seized more than 791,000 pounds of narcotics.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment while improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

US Border Patrol Media Informational:

TUCSON, Ariz. — The following is a rundown of activities that occurred over the past 24 hours
within the Tucson Sector. This is only a thumbnail of each incident.

Arrests

(AJO) On July 12, Ajo Station agents apprehended a 26-year-old Mexican illegal alien who admitted to being a member of the Sureño 13 street gang. During processing, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) revealed criminal convictions for participation in a criminal street gang, felony vehicle theft, and a previous removal from the United States. The subject is being prosecuted for Re-Entry of an Aggravated Felon.

In a separate incident Tuesday, Ajo Station agents apprehended a 30-year-old Mexican national for illegally entering the United States. During processing, the subject admitted to being an inactive member of the Sureño 13 gang. The subject is being processed for removal.

(CAG) On July 13, Casa Grande agents apprehended a 39-year-old Mexican national for illegally entering the United States. Using IAFIS, agents discovered that the subject was convicted in 2006 Indianapolis, Indiana, for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. The subject is being prosecuted for Re-Entry of an Aggravated Felon.

Seizures

(TCA) On July 12, Tucson Sector agents stopped two suspicious vehicles driving in tandem. Upon further investigation, agents arrested the driver, a United States citizen, for transporting nine illegal aliens from Mexico. The subjects and vehicles were transported to the Tucson Station for processing.

(NGL) On July 12, Nogales Station agents using Mobile Surveillance System (MSS) technology detected possible cross-border activity east of Nogales, Ariz. Agents responded and apprehended four illegal aliens attempting to flee south toward Mexico and found five bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 230 pounds with an estimated value of $115,000. All four subjects, including one juvenile, are being prosecuted on federal drug smuggling charges.

(AJO) On July 13, Ajo Station agents using MSS technology observed a suspicious vehicle in the desert west of Lukeville, Ariz. Agents from the All Terrain Unit and a CBP helicopter responded to the area and located a vehicle camouflaged under a tarp. Inside the vehicle were 80 bundles of marijuana weighing 1,818 pounds and valued at more than $900,000. The marijuana and vehicle were transported to the Ajo Station for processing. At the station, record checks revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen.

Assists

(WCX) On July 12, Willcox Station agents encountered a single vehicle rollover on Highway 191 and immediately rendered aid to the driver while waiting for Emergency Medical Services and Department of Public Safety to respond. The driver said he was attempting to avoid hitting a deer that ran in front of the vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure and safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol appreciates assistance from the community. Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~

To report illegal activity anytime and remain anonymous, call 1-877-872-7435. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with managing and protecting our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while also enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Border Patrol Press Release July 7, 2011:

Border Patrol Canine Team Seizes 10 Pounds of Heroin at I-19 Border Patrol Checkpoint

TUCSON, Ariz. – Approximately 10 pounds of heroin, with an estimated street value of $136,000, was seized Wednesday by Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Interstate 19 Border Patrol Checkpoint.

The seizure occurred after a detection canine team alerted to a vehicle during primary inspection.
The driver, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen female, was referred to secondary where agents discovered seven packages of heroin concealed inside her purse and one additional package taped to her leg.

The subject, vehicle, and narcotics were transported to the Nogales Border Patrol station for processing.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Photo courtesy of US Customs and Border Protection

From US Border Patrol July 6, 2011:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Seizes 3,000 pounds of Marijuana and Arrests Five

TUCSON, Ariz. – In three separate incidents within a 24 hour period, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $1.5 million and arrested five individuals.

On Tuesday, July 5, a Border Patrol canine unit alerted to a vehicle during primary inspection at the State Highway 80 checkpoint.

The vehicle was referred to secondary where a scan using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology equipment revealed several anomalies.

Further inspection led to the discovery of 88 small bundles of marijuana concealed in non-factory compartments throughout the doors and roof of the vehicle.

The narcotics weighed approximately 140 pounds with an estimated value of $70,000.

The driver, a U. S. citizen, was arrested and is being prosecuted on federal drug charges. The marijuana and vehicle were seized by the Willcox Border Patrol Station.

Later that morning, a CBP Office of Air and Marine (OAM) helicopter detected possible drug smugglers northeast of Lukeville, Ariz.

Ajo Station agents assigned to the All Terrain Unit responded to the location and recovered 42 bundles of marijuana and arrested three Mexican nationals.

The marijuana weighed 1,915 pounds with an estimated value of $957,500.

The subjects are being prosecuted on federal drug charges.

The contraband was transported to the Ajo Station and will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. (

On July 6, Ajo agents recovered 12 bundles of marijuana that were abandoned north of Lukeville. The narcotics weighed approximately 959 pounds with an estimated value of $479,500 and were transported to the Ajo Station.

The use of advanced technology and specialty units such as all-terrain vehicles and CBP aircraft allow Border Patrol agents to detect and respond to illicit cross-border activity quicker and more effectively.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout the communities in the state of Arizona.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.
~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

From Border Patrol July 6, 2011:

Border Patrol Agents Rescue 26 in Distress Over Holiday Weekend

TUCSON, Ariz. – On Friday, Ajo agents rescued three individuals in separate incidents aided by rescue beacon activations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection air support and a Mexican Search and Rescue team. Two of the individuals were treated for severe dehydration while the third received basic first aid.

Also on Friday, Ajo Station personnel received a call from Mexican officials stating they received a telephone call from an alien in distress.  The subject told authorities he crossed the border near Quitobaquito, walked approximately six miles, and was out of food and water.  Shortly after 10 p.m., Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents informed the Ajo Station they had located the subject south of Kino Pass.  The man was suffering from severe dehydration and required emergency medical attention.  Because of the rugged terrain, BORSTAR agents had to transport the subject to a Forward Operating Base before he could be transferred to a helicopter for further medical treatment.

On Saturday, nine individuals were rescued in three separate incidents by agents assigned to the Douglas, Casa Grande and Tucson Stations. The rescue near Douglas began with a phone call from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office stating they received several calls from an unknown subject claiming to be in distress four miles east of the Douglas port. The subject reportedly experienced multiple dropped calls before authorities were able to connect him to the Douglas Station. Once he was connected, agents were able to ascertain his location and cell phone number. When the subject was finally located, he told agents he had been lost in the desert for four days with no food or water. The subject was treated for severe dehydration and transported to a local hospital.

Also on Saturday, Casa Grande agents rescued three individuals who were treated on-scene by BORSTAR agents while Tucson Station agents rescued four individuals, one of whom had to be transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

On Sunday, Ajo agents patrolling in the West Desert rescued 14 individuals in three separate incidents with one subject requiring medical treatment due to severe dehydration.

Tucson Sector has more than 200 agents certified as emergency medical technicians and approximately 3,800 agents trained to provide aid to anyone in need. Individuals attempting to cross the Sonoran Desert face extremely hazardous conditions yet smugglers continue to put lives in danger by leading people through the harsh terrain and often abandoning people if they are physically unable to continue. In addition, those who cross illegally will face administrative consequences and potential criminal consequences.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community.  Report suspicious activity by calling toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~
U..S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

From US Border Patrol June 28, 2011:

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue 30 Illegal Aliens in 24 Hours

TUCSON, Ariz. – In five separate incidents in the last 24 hours, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents rescued 30 illegal aliens suffering from varying states of dehydration in the West Desert area of operations. In all incidents, the aliens were apparently abandoned by their guides and left with little or no water.

Casa Grande Station agents and the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) unit rescued the majority of aliens last night when a helicopter pilot from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine spotted one group south of Casa Grande, Ariz. Agents responded to the area and located 17 illegal aliens who claimed they had gotten lost after being abandoned by their smuggler. All individuals were medically evaluated and determined to be in good health before being transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing.

Casa Grande agents and the BORSTAR unit rescued eight more illegal aliens yesterday morning in two other incidents. In the first, agents located four illegal aliens in the desert north of Sells, Ariz. One individual was severely dehydrated and had to be transported to an area hospital for treatment. The other three were determined to be in good health and transported to the Casa Grande Station for processing. In the second incident, agents rescued an illegal alien west of Sells.

After receiving a report from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, agents from the Ajo Station located and rescued four illegal aliens east of Ajo, Ariz. Agents certified as emergency medical technicians (EMT) evaluated the individuals and determined two were in need of advanced medical care. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. In addition, agents rescued another illegal alien near the Papago Forward Operating Base and transported him to a local hospital for further medical attention.

Border Patrol agents are usually the first responders in remote areas, often times making the difference between life and death for people in distress. As temperatures rise, individuals attempting to cross the Sonoran Desert face extremely hazardous conditions. Smugglers continue to put lives in danger by leading them through the harsh desert terrain, often abandoning them when they are physically unable to continue. In addition, those who cross illegally face legal and administrative consequences.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments towards establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.