CAMPO, Calif. (KGTV) -- Border Patrol Sunday rescued a Mexican national with serious injuries they say was left behind by a criminal smuggling organization.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department notified the agency around 4 a.m. December 1 about a distress call of a man in a rural area near Lake Morena Reservoir.
The 34-year-old man was suffering from a serious leg injury, Border Patrol says.
RELATED: Illegal immigrant gives Customs and Border Protection thumbs up after Otay Mountain rescue
After searching the mountainous area, agents located the man, carrying him to an awaiting ambulance. The man was rushed to a nearby hospital to undergo “extensive surgery to repair his leg.”
“I am proud that the agents continue to go above and beyond with their acts of service,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison.
“These Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) are exploiting, abusing, and profiting from the desperation of these vulnerable people.”
RELATED: Border Patrol rescues 5 migrants stranded in Otay mountains
Through Thanksgiving weekend, San Diego Sector Border Patrol says agents found a body and rescued more than 20 people as inclement weather moved through the county.