By Jonathan Eberle |

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson Sector conducted two separate rescue operations over the weekend, saving the lives of two U.S. citizens who became stranded in remote desert terrain in southern Arizona.

The rescues, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, highlight the role of Border Patrol agents not only in enforcing immigration laws, but also in providing critical life-saving assistance in dangerous and often isolated parts of the state.

On Saturday, agents from the Border Patrol’s elite Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team were called to assist the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office after a hiker was reported injured and stranded near the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix.

The hiker, who reported a possible broken ankle and was unable to walk, was located by air aboard Pinal County’s rescue helicopter, Pinal Air 1. Given the rugged mountainside terrain, a BORSTAR agent was lowered by hoist to reach and stabilize the hiker, who was then airlifted to a safe area for further medical evaluation.

The following day, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sonoita Station responded to a call from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office involving a lost hiker on the Arizona Trail near Pauline Ridge. The hiker, who had been missing for two days, was spotted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations helicopter. However, thick vegetation and challenging terrain made a helicopter landing impossible.

Instead, ground-based agents hiked into the remote area, reached the hiker, administered immediate medical care, and transported him to the Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department for further treatment.

“These rescues are a testament to [our agents’] training, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. “Our agents and teams continuously demonstrate their dedication to saving people’s lives.”

While U.S. Border Patrol is primarily known for its immigration enforcement mission, especially in southern border states like Arizona, its agents—particularly those assigned to specialized units like BORSTAR—frequently respond to emergencies involving lost, injured, or distressed individuals in remote regions.

Established in the late 1990s, BORSTAR was created in response to a rising number of migrant deaths in the desert but has since expanded its mission to include public safety rescues involving U.S. citizens and migrants alike. Arizona’s vast and often unforgiving terrain, particularly during extreme weather, can pose life-threatening risks to hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and undocumented migrants attempting to cross the desert.

Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector conduct many rescues each year, often working in partnership with local law enforcement and fire departments to locate and evacuate individuals from areas where traditional emergency services may be unable to reach quickly.

CBP and Border Patrol officials continue to encourage outdoor recreationists to be prepared and exercise caution when entering remote areas of the Arizona desert. Basic recommendations include carrying sufficient water, a charged cell phone or GPS device, and informing others of planned travel routes and return times.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.