Photo of the week: Simulated rescue highlights border risks and response

Mock operation underscores dangers of illegal crossings and showcases Border Patrol’s life-saving capabilities

June 26, 2025 04:23 PM •

Border safety training event — U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector, Special Operation Group and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations conduct a simulated rescue of an illegal alien in distress during a border safety event in Marfa, Texas, that highlighted the dangers of trusting Mexican Cartel smugglers and illegally crossing the border in the harsh deserts of the West Texas region.

As part of its annual Border Safety Event, the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector staged a mock rescue operation on June 25 to raise awareness of the deadly risks associated with illegal border crossings.

This year’s scenario simulated a group of illegal migrants activating a rescue beacon in a remote area in Big Bend sector area of responsibility. The demonstration involved a coordinated rescue operation conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Alpine Air Branch.

The event was livestreamed to sector headquarters and invited guests to demonstrate the skill, speed and coordination of Border Patrol’s search and rescue units and aviation teams.

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