2 migrants rescued in hot desert by Sunland Park fire crews, Border Patrol

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico -- Firefighters and U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued two Ecuadorian migrant women Wednesday afternoon overcome by heat in a remote desert area of Sunland Park along the U.S.-Mexico border after illegally crossing.

The search and rescue operation unfolded off of Strauss Road near the Santa Teresa port of entry after a distress call was made to Dona Ana County 911 around 1 p.m.

Sunland Park Fire Chief Danny Medrano told ABC-7 that the pair were unable to navigate the rough terrain in that area; Border Patrol had to use all-terrain vehicles and horseback to find them.

Officials said one of the victims was found unconscious and was taken by helicopter to University Medical Center in El Paso; she was suffering from extreme heat exhaustion and dehydration. UMC said she was listed Wednesday evening in stable condition.

The other victim was driven to an area hospital by border agents for treatment; she also experienced heat exhaustion.

Medrano said he was concerned that his department may be responding to more calls of migrants suffering dehydration because of the extreme heat in the coming days.