07.31.07
Border Patrol Agents rescue migrants abandoned by smuggler



EL PASO, TX. - El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents performed a water rescue early this morning, one day after Border Patrol and BORSTAR agents in Deming, New Mexico saved 12 people abandoned in the desert Monday morning by a smuggler.

At 6:30 a.m. today, Border Patrol Agents responded to a distress call by a female migrant trapped in the canal south of Paisano Highway and east of ASARCO. The subject, along with another female migrant, was led to the canal area by their smuggler, who was a juvenile from Mexico.

As the two migrants were trying to sneak around the canal, on a path provided by the smuggler, the two women lost their footing and fell. One woman fell into the canal, while the other clinged to the concrete lip of the watercourse. The smuggler quickly abandoned the women as they were struggling to pull themselves to safety.

El Paso Border Patrol Agents quickly responded and extracted both women from the canal. The El Paso Fire Department arrived and provided first aid to the woman who had fallen into the water.

After a preliminary medical check-up, the subjects refused further medical treatment. Both migrants are being detained by the Border Patrol and will be returned to Mexico later today. The Office of the Mexican Consulate was notified about the incident.

Yesterday, in southern Luna County New Mexico, Border Patrol Agents apprehended a Mexican national in a remote area 14 miles west of Deming. The subject, later identified as a suspected smuggler, stated that he had abandoned a group of 12 migrants in the desert, and that the group was lost and in distress.

The Border Patrol quickly dispatched field agents and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team in response. The Border Patrol also contacted Air and Marine Operations, who dispatched Air Support units in the search for the group.

Three hours later, Border Patrol Agents located the group. Three members of the group from Guatemala received intravenous (IV) fluids that were administered by medically trained BORSTAR agents.

No further medical treatment was needed for the group. The suspected guide will be prosecuted on alien smuggling charges.

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