They RESCUED Two Stranded Hikers

Border Patrol agents save the lives of two American hikers stranded in Arizona’s deadly desert wilderness, demonstrating that some of our federal agencies can actually do their jobs when they’re not busy waving in illegal immigrants at the southern border.

At a Glance

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rescued two American hikers in separate incidents in southern Arizona’s harsh desert terrain
  • The first rescue involved a hiker with a suspected broken ankle near the Superstition Mountains on April 12
  • A second hiker, 61-year-old Robert K. Wirth, was rescued after being lost for two days near Pauline Ridge on the Arizona Trail
  • Both rescues required coordinated efforts between Border Patrol, local law enforcement, and helicopter teams

Swift Response To Injured Hiker

On April 12, Border Patrol agents responded to an emergency call from a hiker near the notoriously dangerous Superstition Mountains who reported a potential broken ankle. The Tucson sector Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team quickly mobilized alongside the Pinal County Air 1 helicopter crew to locate and evacuate the injured individual from the remote location. Together, they successfully airlifted the hiker to a designated landing zone where local emergency medical services were waiting to provide treatment.

The Superstition Mountains, known for their extreme heat and rugged terrain, present serious dangers to even the most experienced outdoorsmen. These conditions make rapid response essential, as prolonged exposure to the elements can quickly become life-threatening. While our border agents are stretched thin dealing with the Biden administration’s self-created border crisis, they still managed to pull resources together for American citizens in danger.

Two-Day Search Ends in Rescue

In an even more dramatic rescue operation on April 13, Border Patrol agents located and saved 61-year-old Robert K. Wirth, who had been lost for two harrowing days in the wilderness near Pauline Ridge on the Arizona Trail. Despite poor cell reception in the remote area, emergency services managed to obtain coordinates from Wirth’s desperate 9-1-1 call. A CBP air and marine operations helicopter was deployed to locate the missing hiker, after which ground agents navigated the difficult terrain to reach him.

“Once somebody’s life is in danger, it doesn’t matter if they’re an illegal alien or if they are a United States citizen. We are going to turn our assets towards getting that person out of the position they’re in.”, said John B. Mennell.

Following his rescue, Wirth was evaluated by medical personnel at the Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department. Remarkably, despite spending two days lost in one of Arizona’s most unforgiving landscapes, he was released without injuries. The successful outcome highlights the critical importance of multi-agency cooperation in wilderness search and rescue operations, particularly in Arizona’s vast and isolated backcountry where conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

Border Patrol Demonstrates Life-Saving Expertise

Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin praised his team’s performance in both rescue operations, highlighting the extensive training and dedication that made these successful outcomes possible. While Americans might reasonably question why Border Patrol seems unable to actually secure our borders, these rescues demonstrate that when properly directed, these agents possess remarkable skills and resources for emergency response in some of America’s most challenging terrain.

“I am incredibly proud of our agents’ swift and professional response to these incidents. These rescues are a testament to their training, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Our agents and teams continuously demonstrate their dedication to saving people’s lives.”, said Sean L. McGoffin.

These rescue operations serve as powerful reminders of the dangers Arizona’s wilderness poses to unprepared or unfortunate hikers. They also highlight the critical importance of carrying appropriate emergency equipment, planning routes carefully, and ensuring others know your hiking plans when venturing into remote areas.

As summer approaches and temperatures climb to deadly levels, even experienced hikers face significant risks in Arizona’s deceptively beautiful but potentially lethal desert landscapes.

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