SAN DIEGO–San Diego Sector (SDC) Border Patrol agents rescued two men Monday morning who were in severe distress on Otay Mountain.
The first incident occurred on Nov. 10, at approximately 3:15 a.m. when agents patrolling Otay Mountain came across a man who was unable to walk and appeared to be suffering from hypothermia. The man, a Mexican national, advised agents he had entered the U.S. illegally through the mountainous area. Not expecting the cold, harsh weather, he lacked adequate clothing and became ill. Agents rendered first aid and called for assistance.
Due to the steep, remote terrain, the agents could not carry the 43-year-old man to safety and requested air support. Shortly after, he was safely airlifted and transported to Brown Field Airport, where emergency medical services were standing by. The man was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The second incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. when agents responded to a call for assistance. Agents assigned to the SDC Foreign Operations Branch were able to contact the distressed individual and narrow the search area. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents deployed and encountered the two men who had entered the U.S. illegally through the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area.
One of the men was vomiting and stated he was severely dehydrated. BORSTAR agents assessed the 52-year-old Mexican national and determined he needed immediate medical aide. Agents requested air support to extract the man from the mountain. The man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment for hypothermia.
“Our agents save lives,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Had our agents not been on patrol in these isolated areas, these men may have succumbed to the elements. Callous smugglers consistently lead migrants into danger and our agents deliver them to safety.”
Since October 2019, Border Patrol Agents in San Diego Sector have rescued and provided aide to more than 76 people.
