Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona have rescued an illegal immigrant who was trapped in a dry well near the community of Sells. 

Spokesman Peter Bidegain says the 41-year-old Guatemala national was left for dead when he was abandoned by smugglers.

“He was forced down into a well by two armed smugglers when he refused to carry a bundle of narcotics to enter the U.S.,” Bidegain said.

Bidegain says agents used a rope to pull the man to safety, after coming upon the well when they heard his cries for help. He says the victim was in good condition, even though he had been without water for about 24 hours.