Photo Gallery – Battalion Search and Rescue

Photos

The battalion respectfully documents our experiences through our social media and website. Recent changes to border patrol protocol force migrants to abandon any and all personal belongings behind in the desert. Previously, they were seized and discarded in border patrol trash receptacles. As such, the migrant path leaves stories behind through abandoned belongings scattered among the rugged terrain of the Sonoran desert.

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11AM Sunday @ Liminal Cafe & Community Center in F

11AM Sunday @ Liminal Cafe & Community Center in Flagstaff AZ.

Join Dora Rodriguez, James Holeman, Prof. Robert Neustadt and filmmaker Mackenzie Baradic as they will discuss the current conditions of the AZ/Mexico border and talk about ways to help improve the situation.

Coffees and tea available for purchase to support this grassroots community space!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:
Liminal Cafe & Community Center
BATTALION SEARCH AND RESCUE
Salvavision.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme

A great evening in Ajo with Christina Antonakos-Wa

A great evening in Ajo with Christina Antonakos-Wallace the director of the documentary film From Here, Dora Rodriguez from Salvavision and Photographer Tom Kiefer.

Thank you ISDA for providing a great venue, amazing staff and first class technological support.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme

Great evening at the Sonoran Desert Inn and Confer

Great evening at the Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center here in Ajo Arizona talking with a visiting REI group. Delicious food and engaging conversation with visitors from SoCal to Maine and many points in between.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #internationalsonorandesertalliance #isda #sonorandesertinn #rei

COMING TO AJO ARIZONA, Apr 14. FROM HERE, Screeni

COMING TO AJO ARIZONA, Apr 14.

FROM HERE, Screening in Ajo, AZ.
A special screening of the award-winning documentary FROM HERE, followed by a Q&A with the director and protagonist in partnership with AZ orgs.

Tickets Available On Eventbrite.

#documentary #independentfilm #isda #salvavisionaz #fromhere #ajoaz

Friday was Saint Patrick's Day so we called this s

Friday was Saint Patrick's Day so we called this search our "St. Patrick's Weekend Search". The Battalion is named after the St. Patrick's Battalion who were predominantly Irish immigrants who came to the US and joined the military in hopes of a pathway to citizenship. After suffering abuse by their superiors and witnessing many atrocities they joined up with fellow Catholics in Mexico to fight against the US aggressors during the Mexican American "war" / land grab.

We hiked long hard miles yesterday and then made our way to the border wall where we encountered over 100 migrants. Yes, 100. They were mostly from India but also from Africa and South and Central America. They were scattered along the wall for several miles. Some had been contacted by BP but others had not. Many were frightened, thirsty and hungry. We drove the border wall road distributing all of our food, water and Gatorades.

After sweeping the wall road we turned around and headed back to the largest group. Passing smaller groups we had already encountered, we noticed one man walking alone with some difficulty. We slowed down and spoke with him. He tapped his chest and explained how he was having heart troubles. He carried some well worn sandals and a few clothing items in his hands. He was around 50 years old and I asked him where he was from. He said he was from Ghana. We helped him join up with the largest group and alerted BP of his condition.

As we said farewell b I asked his name. He looked at me and said, "My name is Patrick".

Happy Saint Patrick's Day weekend from the Battalion Search and Rescue.

(The image is that of Jared Ornelas bandaging a migrant from India. Jared is a Battalion Search and Rescue volunteer and Jesuit priest in training currently living in Nogales Arizona and working in Nogales Sonora at the Kino Border Initiative. Land and Liberty Tactical volunteers were also present.)

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme

Behold. This is part of the new wave of humanitari

Behold. This is part of the new wave of humanitarian work. Young. Bold. Risk taking. Innovative. Strong. We learned a lot from the old guard, but it's time to take things to the next level.

Borderland Bike Drops is going farther faster and keeping it lean and mean. We don't know them personally, but we are impressed as hell. Cheers to them for their efforts, innovation and execution.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #borderlandbikedrops

I had to move my bed / cot into the living room be

I had to move my bed / cot into the living room because of a little roof leak issue at the HQ. With the birds singing and the sun peeking over the horizon I get to open my eyes to this beautiful sight. Thank you again to the L&L crew for this powerful message wrapped in a beautiful banner. The Battalion is very grateful for your work and solidarity. 🤜🤛

(You are seeing it in reverse as it faces outdoors. The banner states, Refugees Welcome.)

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #landandlibertytactical

I looked down and spotted the droplets of blood on

I looked down and spotted the droplets of blood on my sun shirt. I felt my face and forehead for the source. But rather than coming from above, it was coming from below, or beneath my shirt.

Small teams allow us to hack our way through, up and over rugged terrain, searching for individuals in distress or deceased. We may joke about the thorns, bushes and cactus giving us "free Arizona acupuncture". But the reality is that migrants and refugees are forced into this inhospitable and unfamiliar terrain. Rather than trekking a few hours as we did, they are traveling for days, weeks and beyond.

Their bodies are shredded. Many have never seen a cactus, coming from tropical locales. Even with our familiarity of the flora and fauna, we still suffer the wrath of the desert, but nothing like what they experience.

Imagine fleeing for your life, trusting a "guide" from a criminal organization, often traveling at night with limited visibility. All the pressures of relentless pursuit and the impending possibility of apprehension and deportation loom. Imagine the stress this puts on a person's body and mind who's already suffering to the point where they will take such unimaginable risks.

Our immigration system is broken. Over 1,000 human lives are lost every single year just here in Arizona because of our failed policies and evil pursuits. Our tax dollars are used every single day to hunt, often to death, capture and imprison some of the most vulnerable among us.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme

After our last search I tried to race down and cro

After our last search I tried to race down and cross the border at the Sasabe port of entry, but the border closes at 6:00 p.m.. So we had to settle for a roadside meet up to drop off a tailgate load of donations from some of our volunteers for our good friend Dora and Gail. Their endless energy and unconditional love and kindness is a breath of fresh air and fills us with hope and strength.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #salvavisionaz

Sometimes you just have to roll all the windows do

Sometimes you just have to roll all the windows down and blast some Latin electronic dance when driving through a BP checkpoint.

While driving through the same checkpoint the previous night, I struck up a conversation with the agent on duty. I recognized his accent from Cuba and confirmed it as his place of origin. He never asked mine. I told him of my half a dozen trips there including my honeymoon or luna de miel. I told him how the island is still in my heart even after being convicted of trading with the enemy, paying $20K in fines and serving 3 years of federal probation.

While the Battalion does not take an antagonistic approach towards border patrol we absolutely do not let them trample our rights. They're one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the entire world. They have become increasingly bloated, militarized and corrupt. Rape culture and toxic masculinity run rampant within their ranks. Over a thousand migrants die in Arizona alone every single year because of their tactics, pursuits and policies.

So while driving back through the same checkpoint 24 hours later I gave them a little taste of Latin electronic dance. "Taki Taki" is an English-Spanish song by French DJ and record producer DJ Snake, featuring vocals from American singer Selena Gomez, Puerto Rican singer Ozuna, and American rapper Cardi B.

Windows down, check.
Volume at 100, check.
The poo poo look in their faces, priceless.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #takitaki #djsnake #cardib #selenagomez #ozuna #raptor

I'm not big on the group photos. What we do is not

I'm not big on the group photos. What we do is not necessarily a celebratory event. Searching for lost and missing migrants and usually finding them deceased. But today was a very special day filled with beauty, camaraderie and many positive powerful signs.

We dubbed it the Kino Border Initiative Appreciation Search. We are so grateful for our kind friends from the Kino Border Initiative. They do incredible work in Nogales and beyond. Please look them up and support them. As well as our friends in Land and Liberty who were present.

We scouted new routes, climbed mountains and covered flat terrain. We found several migrant camps and even a small Bible. Apparently it is javelina hunting season and the hunters were swarming the area. An aggressive and angry rancher told us we weren't welcome. But guess what? We'll be back. Again and Again and AGAIN. We will continue our work and continue to save lives and give dignity, respect and honor to the fallen.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #kinoborderinitiative #landandliberty #refugeeswelcome

We were introduced to this wonderful little family

We were introduced to this wonderful little family style taco shop in Sonoyta by some good friends in the Samaritans Without Borders. It has become our “go to” place when visiting and supporting the shelters in Sonoyta. Amazing food and amazing kindness. Please support them if you are in Sonoyta, or passing through on your way to Rocky Point.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #samaritanswithoutborders #samaritanossinfronteras #taquerialupita

2023 Arizona Pride Tour comes to Ajo Arizona this

2023 Arizona Pride Tour comes to Ajo Arizona this Saturday! The Battalion Search and Rescue will be there to support this wonderful event by @missnature_tucson . Thank you for reaching rule Arizona communities.

Cher and Lady Gaga female impersonators Saturday in the Plaza Rec Hall!

Go here to purchase tickets online: www.missnaturellc.com/

Or they will assist with online ticket purchase at the door.

“Miss Nature, LLC is working with some of Arizona's most talented entertainers.

All shows will be 2 hours in length and will include alcohol for those who are over the age of 21 to drink.

Event is open to all ages as long as those under 18 are accompanied by a parent!
Our 2023 schedule is as follows:

Ajo - February 18th @7pm - Rec Hall

“CAN Community Health will be providing free rapid HIV/AIDS testing to the communities that we are in. We thank them for their partnership in helping ensure Arizonan's across this state are healthy and know their status. They assist in providing resources to those who may test positive and are a fabulous organization.”

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #missnature

The Samaritans Without Borders, Samaritanos Sin Fr

The Samaritans Without Borders, Samaritanos Sin Fronteras, are an amazing organization. They provide direct aid to Migrant shelters in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico.

After months of getting the runaround from hospitals in Mexico, they finally chose a private clinic for a hernia surgery for one of the migrants. Mr. M is a beautiful and gracious man who has been in extreme pain for many many months. He is now recovering and comfortable after the Sams Without Borders covered the $1800 surgery.

Please follow the Samaritans Without Borders, Samaritanos Sin Fronteras, on Facebook and check out their Amazon wish list.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #samaritanswithoutborders #samaritanossinfronteras

A really great night tonight at Tom’s opening.

A really great night tonight at Tom’s opening.

#tomkieferphotographer #dorarodriguez #elsuenoamericanoproject #salvavisionaz

A long hard weekend down in the desert. Saturday h

A long hard weekend down in the desert. Saturday highway clean up north of Ajo and Sunday search in a new and unexplored area for the Battalion Search and Rescue.

We covered some new ground and learned a lot regarding access and possible migrant routes. We focus on finding those in distress while always keeping an eye out for the fallen.

Just sent out over $225 of gas money to our amazing volunteers that traveled a total of 900 miles between them. Thank you one and all for your continued support of our humanitarian efforts.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme

Oly, the Battalion HQ Qutie supervises a load of h

Oly, the Battalion HQ Qutie supervises a load of hand sanitizer generously donated by Northern Arizona University property surplus. Deliveries have already been made to some of the border shelters and today’s shipment goes to the 3 Nations Market & Swap Meet in Ajo Arizona. It will be shared locally and distributed to families on the T. O. Nation.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #3nationsmarket #ajoarizona #tohonooodham

About a year ago, I received an offensive “joke” in an email from a “leader” in the humanitarian community. The joke targeted Nancy Pelosi, the then speaker of the house. Since then her husband was attacked in their own home with a hammer.

When I received the email I told the sender to never send me anything like this again. I told him it wasn’t funny and I was disappointed. I have never heard from them again.

I’ve been silent about this behavior except to some close friends. But silence equals violence in our current environment. Stamp out hate in all of its forms. Be careful who you trust and align yourself with.

We are the Battalion Search and Rescue and we search for the lost but not forgotten.

Somos el Batallón de Búsqueda y Rescate y buscamos a los perdidos pero no olvidados.

#saintpatricksbattalion #batallóndesanpatricio #searchandrescue #battalionsar #stpatricksbattalion #johnrileysentme #notohate #silenceequalsviolence

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