Ocotillo, California - Sunday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents with the Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team rescued a distressed man who had become lost in the desert while attempting to illegally enter the United States.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m., when Border Patrol Radio Dispatch received a call from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) advising them of a 911 distress call from an individual that was lost in the mountains.  The man told the ICSO dispatcher his name and that he was a citizen of Mexico who had crossed illegally into the United States.

Shortly after midnight, a BORSTAR agent picked up a trail during a systematic search, and located a man in the mountains south of Ocotillo.  BORSTAR agents confirmed that he was the caller in distress and performed a medical evaluation.

The man did not require any medical attention and was transported to the El Centro Border Patrol Station for further processing.

Agents confirmed that the 42-year-old man was a Mexican citizen illegally present in the United States and will be processed for Expedited Removal and returned to Mexico.

Last fiscal year, El Centro Sector rescued more than 18 lives.

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.