CBP Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol work together to evacuate an injured agent from a remote area of southern Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. – Air and Marine Operations (AMO), an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, worked alongside U.S. Border Patrol to conduct a medical evacuation of injured agent in a remote area of southern Arizona.

On March 5, while patrolling near Ruby, Arizona, approximately 20 miles west of Nogales, a Tucson Air Branch UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew deployed Tucson Sector BORSTAR agents to assist in the search for suspected illegal aliens. During the encounter, one subject attempted to flee. A Tucson Station Border Patrol agent pursued the individual on foot but fell during the chase, sustaining injuries.

After agents successfully apprehended the fleeing subject, BORSTAR assessed the injured agent and determined he required further medical treatment. The AMO aircrew immediately transported him to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson for further evaluation.

This incident highlights the critical partnership between AMO and U.S. Border Patrol in responding to emergencies in challenging terrain. AMO’s specialized aviation assets provide vital support in search and rescue operations, ensuring rapid response capabilities in remote areas.

AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information on Air and Marine Operations, visit www.cbp.gov or follow AMO on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.