PHOENIX, June 23 (UPI) -- Seventeen suspected undocumented immigrants were recovering Monday after being found severely dehydrated in the Arizona desert.
U.S. Border Patrol officials said the group, which included a 26-year-old mother and her two children, were discovered Sunday in 115-degree heat near Gila Bend, Ariz., after they flagged down a passing car, The Arizona Republic reported.
"Most of the people were in pretty bad shape," Border Patrol spokesman Mario Escalante told the newspaper. "At this time, their safety and well-being is our first priority."
Four of the most severely dehydrated of the group were taken by helicopter to hospitals, while the others were transported by ambulance. Officials estimated the group may have been in the open desert for three days and traveled 71 miles, the Republic said.
