AJO, Ariz. — On Sept. 4, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crews and Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested an active scout during a coordinated enforcement operation near Ajo, Arizona.
The operation began on the morning of Sept. 4 when pre-positioned Border Patrol reconnaissance personnel and MQ-9 aircraft crew from the National Air Security Operations Center in Sierra Vista located the scout.
Tucson Air Branch H125 AStar and H60 Black Hawk helicopter crews responded to the area carrying five specialized ground agents from the Border Patrol’s Special Operations Detachment and Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit. The Black Hawk helicopter crew deployed the tactical agents onto the scout site using a fast-rope technique. The agents quickly made contact with the man and took him into custody without incident.
“This successful interdiction highlights the seamless integration of our air assets, surveillance technology and specialized ground agents,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Henry N. Laxdal. “By combining these capabilities, we can quickly locate and arrest individuals attempting to facilitate illegal activity in our most remote desert areas, keeping our communities safe.”
The U.S. Border Patrol processed the individual at the Tucson Sector.
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers along the southwest border stop illegal activity and facilitate lawful entry for millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.
