Border Patrol wrapup

A summary of Border Patrol activities in the Tucson Sector since Thursday, provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

Arrests

On Wednesday, Nogales Station agents apprehended an illegal immigrant from Mexico. Using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System agents discovered the subject was convicted for rape of a child and had been deported. The person was held pending prosecution.

Also on Wednesday, Douglas Station agents apprehended a group of 21 illegal immigrants — 16 men and five women — while on patrol west of Douglas. One of the women, who was four months pregnant, was transported to a local hospital after complaining of abdominal pain from falling on her stomach. The remaining individuals were transported to the Douglas Station for processing.

Seizures

On Wednesday, Willcox agents apprehended an illegal immigrant from Mexico near the Border Patrol’s S.R. 80 checkpoint. A loaded .45 caliber handgun and a large hunting knife were discovered during a search of the person. The subject was held for removal proceedings.

On Thursday, Douglas Station agents discovered an abandoned handgun while conducting tracking operations north of Douglas. The gun was turned over to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

Rescues and recoveries

On Wednesday, Tucson Station agents discovered the remains of an adult male near the Silverbell Mine area. The scene was turned over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Ajo Station agents Wednesday discovered the remains of two adult males northeast of Lukeville. The scene was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.

Also on Wednesday, agents working near the Papago Forward Operating Base discovered the remains of two adult males. The scene was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.

That same day, Ajo Station agents discovered the remains of an adult female northeast of Lukeville. The scene was also turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.

Illegal immigrants are often abandoned by smugglers in the desert and left to fend for themselves in the scorching heat without adequate water and food, according to the agency, whose agents are often the first to respond to such emergencies.

The Border Patrol continues to warn those attempting to cross the desert about the dangers of high temperatures and rough terrain that can lead to dehydration and death.