In a recent operation by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrews alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents have successfully rescued wounded undocumented migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border. According to CBP's statement, the distress call came on August 2, after individuals suffered gunshot wounds in Mexico and crossed into American territory near Papago Farms in Arizona. The Tucson Air Branch swiftly deployed a UH-60 helicopter and two H125 aircrews.

The UH-60 aircrew, originally on patrol, was redirected to insert the Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team at the scene. There, the agents performed medical triage, uncovering that two people were critically wounded and needing advanced care. While one H125 aircrew oversaw the area from the sky, the other coordinated for civilian medical services. Due to delays with the civilian aeromedical emergency service, the critically injured individuals were directly transported to a medical center by the UH-60 aircrew.

In the words of Jose Muriente, Deputy Director of Air and Marine Operations for the Tucson Air Branch, "Our crews are trained to respond to emergency situations.” He added, “The quick response and expertise of our aircrews and BORSTAR agents are crucial, especially when they encounter individuals with severe, life-threatening injuries."

After the rescue, BORSTAR agents concluded that another individual had a superficial gunshot wound, while one man was uninjured. These two undocumented individuals were later apprehended and processed by the Border Patrol agents. AMO, with its fleet of aircraft and marine vessels, is experienced in confronting security threats through its law enforcement capabilities across the United States and its territories. In Fiscals Year 2023, AMO has been part of numerous enforcement actions, including arrests, apprehensions, and seizure of narcotics and weapons, underscoring its role within the nation's vast law enforcement framework.