Lukeville, Arizona - Ajo Station Border Patrol agents patrolling west of Arizona’s Port of Lukeville rescued 61 distressed illegal aliens Tuesday morning just north of the international border.

Mexican officials contacted the U.S. Border Patrol after receiving a distress call Monday evening from one of the individuals in the group.  However, a search of the area from where the call originated was delayed by fast-running washes, flooded roads, and heavy rain.     

By 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, agents located the group consisting of mostly families from Guatemala and Honduras ranging in age from 7 months to 66 years. Although most of the individuals were found to be in good health, a mother and child had to be transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

After treatment, they were released and transported to the Ajo Border Patrol Station where, along with the rest of the group, they were processed for immigration violations.

In the past seven days, agents have arrested more than 800 Central Americans found in the same general area who had crossed the U.S. border illegally. A vast majority of those apprehended were family units. Transnational criminal organizations continue to exploit the vulnerability of foreign nationals with false promises of legal status and encourage dangerous border crossings, placing lives at risk.

Border Patrol officials continue to point out the dangers of crossing the U.S. border illegally through the desert where severe weather events can create life-threatening situations for the migrants, as well as first responders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.