Media Release | US Customs and Border Protection
On Aug. 6, at 4 p.m., San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brownfield Border Patrol Station encountered an unaccompanied, 16-year-old Mexican male attempting to enter the U.S. illegally through the remote Otay Mountain Wilderness Area east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
The juvenile was exhibiting signs of severe dehydration. After assessing the juvenile, agents requested emergency medical services, and the juvenile was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment.
While receiving treatment, the boy informed agents that he had left his younger sister, a 12-year-old Mexican female, on the trail they were following and that she was also extremely dehydrated and could no longer walk.
To locate the lost girl, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine helicopter was deployed to the area, as well as San Diego Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue agents.
After a search, agents located the female. She was conscious and stable. The female was airlifted from the wilderness area by local emergency medical services and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
“Our agents are not only trained law enforcement professionals, but also first responders,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, “This event demonstrates the steadfast dedication of our agents in protecting our country while also preserving human life.”
Both the brother and sister were treated and released from the hospital early Friday morning. They will be processed per sector guidelines.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance along corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
