CBP Rescues Injured Hiker from Franklin Mountains

Air and Marine Operations team hoists hiker and rescuers to safety

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 21-year-old hiker who suffered serious injuries after falling 150 feet in Franklin Mountains State Park was rescued thanks to a coordinated aerial extraction by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations and local first responders. Due to the remote and rugged terrain, a ground evacuation was not possible, prompting a request for aerial assistance.

Why it matters

This rescue highlights the critical role that CBP's Air and Marine Operations play in supporting local emergency responders, especially in remote and difficult-to-access areas. The successful extraction of the injured hiker and rescuers underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and specialized aviation capabilities in saving lives.

The details

The CBP Black Hawk helicopter crew connected with the ground rescue team and conducted a 250-foot hoist to extract both the patient and the COMSAR staff from the mountainous terrain. Due to the severity of the hiker's injuries and the conditions at the scene, the patient and the COMSAR team were then transported to a Level I trauma center.

  • The incident occurred on February 19, 2026.
  • COMSAR personnel requested aerial assistance around 9:45 am on that day.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

A federal law enforcement agency that oversees border security and immigration enforcement, including the Air and Marine Operations branch that assisted in this rescue.

El Paso Police Department and Fire Departments' Combined Search and Rescue (COMSAR) team

The local emergency responders who were on the scene providing medical care and requested the aerial extraction.

21-year-old hiker

The injured individual who fell approximately 150 feet in Franklin Mountains State Park.

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The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the critical importance of interagency cooperation and specialized aviation capabilities in responding to emergencies in remote and challenging environments. The successful extraction of the injured hiker and rescuers highlights the vital role that CBP's Air and Marine Operations play in supporting local first responders and saving lives.