Contributed Photo: The RC-26 is now the third military airframe implemented in Arizona’s security mission under Operation Guardian Support.
Contributed Article/Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection
TUCSON – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents supported by a National Guard RC-26 assigned to Operation Guardian Support apprehended more than 33 illegal aliens in seven days Oct. 3 to Oct 10.
National Guard personnel operating the fixed-wing surveillance aircraft equipped with an array of sensors and cameras are credited with improved ability to identify illegal activity in Tucson Sector’s west desert this month along the U.S./Mexico border.
The RC-26 is now the third military airframe implemented in Arizona’s security mission under Operation Guardian Support, a force multiplier for federal law enforcement agents securing the nation’s borders.
The airframe will be utilized in addition to the UH-72 Lakota and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters currently employed in this operation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a decades-long relationship working with the Department of Defense. The National Guard supports CBP with aerial detection, repairing border infrastructure and logistical support so that CBP resources can focus on enforcing immigration laws.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.
