A Tucson-based ICE Black Hawk helicopter was gearing up for its daily patrol as part of the Arizona Border Control (ABC) Initiative when the crew heard radio traffic about U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents coming under fire in the Nogales area. When ICE’s Black Hawk reached the location, CBP Border Patrol agents had intercepted a vehicle containing more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana. However, a second vehicle escaped and headed into Mexico.

The pilot and crew on board the ICE Black Hawk kept the fleeing vehicle in sight and alerted law enforcement officials in Mexico. Mexican authorities ultimately located the second vehicle in Nogales, Sonora, and found more than 1,700 pounds of marijuana inside. Mexican authorities advise that they arrested three individuals in connection with the incident.

“This is yet another example of the outstanding law enforcement teamwork that’s happening on both sides of the Arizona border,” said Field Director Martin Vaughan of ICE’s Tucson Air Branch. “That cooperation is helping keep residents in both nations safer.”

Yesterday’s enforcement activity caps one of the busiest months for ICE’s Tucson Air Branch since the launch of the ABC Initiative in March. In July alone, ICE’s Tucson-based air fleet helped rescue 79 stranded migrants and aided with 48 felony arrests, including the capture of an Arivaca man wanted for assaulting a federal officer. Last month, the Tucson Air Branch played a central role in the seizure of more than 5,600 pounds of marijuana.

The Tucson Air Branch of ICE’s Office of Air and Marine Operations (AMO) plays a vital role in the ABC Initiative, providing crucial intelligence gathering, enforcement, and humanitarian support. The Tucson Air Branch maintains an inventory of 13 aircraft - five Citation interceptor jets, four Black Hawk helicopters, and four light observation planes.

These high-speed aircraft can travel substantial distances without refueling, enabling them to cover hundreds of square miles in a single flight, an important advantage when the target area includes vast stretches of international border. In addition, the Black Hawk helicopters can land in rugged terrain and transport up to 10 passengers, making them invaluable for rescue and evacuation operations in remote and inaccessible areas.

To fly these aircraft, ICE relies on more than 60 pilots who are also trained as enforcement agents. ICE’s roster of pilots is augmented by a cadre of 20 aviation enforcement officers who fly along to provide tactical support, from conducting surveillance to carrying out arrests and rescues.

In addition to supporting the ABC Initiative, ICE’s Tucson Air Branch provides aerial support on a regular basis for joint operations involving federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. ICE AMO also works closely with authorities in Mexico to combat human smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten the welfare of both nations. ICE’s Tucson-based interceptor jets remain on an immediate launch status around-the-clock to respond to threats or emergencies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for the enforcement of border, economic, infrastructure and transportation security laws. ICE seeks to prevent acts of terrorism by targeting the people, money and materials that support terror and criminal networks.