On June 3, Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Dr. Javier Moctezuma Barragan, Mexican Under Secretary of Population, Migration, and Religious Affairs, voiced their support and commitment to Operation Desert Safeguard. This shared operation aims to dramatically reduce the number of people who die trying to cross the common desert border known as the West Desert Corridor.

Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte

Extensive BORSTAR training prepares agents for search and rescue operations in the desert corridor.

The U.S. and Mexico unveiled the Operation after authorities discovered one of the deadliest cases of immigrant smuggling in recent U.S. history. In May, nineteen illegal immigrants died inside an airtight tractor-trailer when the driver abandoned the vehicle at a Victoria, Tex. truck stop. "The loss of life along our border and in the West Desert Corridor is deplorable and unacceptable," said Commissioner Bonner.

In 2002, almost 100 people died in illegal attempts to enter the United States via the West Desert. Most of the migrants who died were trying to cross during the summer, when desert temperatures reach over 115? F. Misled by smugglers, migrants are unprepared for a longer than expected trek across the desert. Without water and other provisions, they falter and die.

CBP is taking action
The CBP Border Patrol assigned 150 agents to this desert corridor, including agents from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit and specialized agents from the Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team (BORSTAR).

New equipment and technology have been deployed to the corridor. A total of 20 search-and-rescue beacons have been placed in high-risk areas. Immigrants lost or in distress activate the beacons by pressing a button that alerts the Border Patrol communications center so that agents can immediately respond and provide emergency aid. Agents also have two additional surveillance aircraft and several all terrain Hummer vehicles retrofitted for search and rescue operations to patrol the area.

"Unless we do something, many more will die." -CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner

In addition, Border Patrol agents are volunteering to work for extended periods in isolated areas where they have set up temporary camps. The Border Patrol's purpose in detailing agents to these particular camps, usually for 30 days, is to have officers in place 24/7 near remote staging areas where illegal migrants routinely meet to plan their entry into the country. Officials have also created a new horse patrol unit designed as yet another deterrent to illegal migration across dangerous desert terrain.

Lighting the way to safety A rescue beacon located in the West Desert Corridor of the Tucson Border Patrol sector had an immediate impact on the lives of three illegal immigrants. Within hours of the beacon going operational, the immigrants pushed the critical button to summon help. Agents from the Ajo Border Patrol Station responded and rescued the men, who were suffering from severe dehydration.

At the Tucson news conference, Mexico's Under Secretary Moctezuma said the major focus of his country's involvement in Operation Desert Safeguard will be targeting smugglers who attempt to bring migrants illegally into the United States. Just days before, Mexican law enforcement officers raided several known smuggler staging areas in Sonoran towns. "More than 400 smugglers are sitting in jail in Mexico," said Undersecretary Moctezuma. He added that the raids will continue on the Mexican side of the border.

Moctezuma said he also plans to expand Grupo Beta, Mexico's counterpart to our Border Patrol. Grupo Beta is charged with preventing crimes like migrant smuggling, robberies, assaults, and drug trafficking. Grupo Beta usually operates only three months out of the year, but the organization has received additional funding of 3 million pesos, about $300,000 dollars, which will allow year round operation.

A vital part of the campaign is a coordinated media effort to deter illegal migration. Both countries will broadcast new Spanish language public service announcements warning migrants about the risks of trusting smugglers, as well as the danger and consequences of illegal crossings. The Border Patrol has also trained over 1,000 Mexican fire and law enforcement personnel in search and rescue.

"As much as we deplore the loss of life and condemn the ruthlessness of smugglers, the migrants crossing our border are entering the United States illegally and in violation of our laws. And so the United States intends to enforce its laws," said Commissioner Bonner.

Commissioner Bonner summed up Operation Desert Safeguard when he said, "This will save lives."