I.C.E. agents are setting the record straight about their work to "protect the public" after the agency has been bombarded with attacks by Democrats for their deportation efforts under President Donald Trump. "The Story" sat down with four agentsPaul, Andres, Celina and Daniel who have served the country for several years, to ask about the hardships they have faced in recent months. (The agents' last names were withheld for their safety.)"There are officers here who have been attacked," Paul told anchor Martha MacCallum. "There are officers who have families, and they are well known in their communities, and they operate in a way where ...many people don't let their families ...(and) don't (let) their community know that they work for I.C.E. There is a sense of danger."FEDERAL AUTHORITIES CHARGE PAIR WHO ALLEGEDLY HELPED ICE FACILITY ATTACKER ESCAPE AFTER SHOOTINGPaul told Fox News the mask his colleagues wear is a sense of "security" for I.C.E. agents, who often have other jobs outside of law enforcement, such as business ownership."We're following the law," Paul explained. "We're basically enforcing immigration law, administrative law, and we have every right to do that. So, in all honesty, that is really what we're doing. We're not out here just randomly picking up people based on race and things like that, just to remove people and kick them out of the country."The agents clarified they operate through a "process" to remove illegal migrants. Under the Trump administration, the agents have seen more people being arrested and deported rather than being sent back into the streets."We have our targets, we know who we're going to pick up, and we have our plan beforehand," Andres said. "We don't just go out there and look for anybody. We know who we're looking for."Agents can also make collateral arrests."We know our target, and we're encountering them, and let's say he has a passenger with him and, you know, we ask for ID for our safety, and we vet them and we run a criminal record of them and if they're here in the country illegally ... they are a collateral, and we will take them into custody," Celina explained.Andres told Fox News that detainees are given accommodations in detention centers. They are provided with tablets to chat with family, beds, warm showers, and three meals a day."To debunk that statement about cages, I can tell you right now, we have no cages at our detention centers, nor have I ever seen a cage in one of our detention centers," he said. Bond hearings are still happening under the Trump administration, according to the agent."That is a due process right for every sovereign individual in the United States," Andres explained. "The approval process is based on certain factors, which is the individual a threat to the community, is the individual a flight risk if we give a person a bond and he just skips town, or if the person already has an immigration order of deportation. So, those are determining factors that a judge will determine before issuing a bond. The bond process will remain the same, we will not and have not taken that right from people."The four agents expressed pride in their work in carrying out the mission of the agency."I haven't met anybody that works for I.C.E. that is ashamed of what they do," Daniel said. "We're all proud law enforcement officers and the hardest working people I've ever met in my life."

The audio of a 911 call John Elway made after his agent's fatal golf cart accident has been released.Elway and his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, were at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California, April 26 when Sperbeck died of injuries in what local authorities ruled a "tragic accident."Elway dialed 911 and told the dispatcher the two were "on a golf cart, and he fell off the golf cart," according to TMZ Sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMElway said the cart did not crash into anything, and Sperbeck had fallen from "the back." The Hall of Famer added that Sperbeck sustained a head injury."He fell off the golf cart. He was on the back, and he fell off of the golf cart," Elway said.The operator instructed Elway to check Sperbeck's breathing and to check if his chest was rising."Do not splint any injuries, and do not move him unless he's in danger," the operator said.The operator said he would give directions on how to "stop the bleeding" and asked him to get a "clean, dry cloth or towel." Elway then said he had a "medic on scene."The operator then instructed Elway to call back if Sperbeck's condition worsened.Elway avoided charges in the incident, and the investigation into the death has been completed.A source told Page Six Elway "is not coping well with the loss and the accident. He has been really upset and withdrawn."JOHN ELWAY 'REALLY UPSET AND WITHDRAWN' SINCE DEATH OF LONGTIME AGENT: REPORTSperbecks cause of death was "blunt force trauma," and the manner of death was an accident that occurred when the "passenger fell from the golf cart," the county coroners report said.After Sperbecks death,Elway released a statement."I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck," Elway said in a statement, via ESPN. "There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me."My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeffs wife, Cori; his children, Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others."Sperbeck had been Elways agent since 1990. The two collaborated on several business ventures.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has both fame and fortune, but prefers his faith.Judge, 33, was asked what he would tell someone who thinks fame and fortune would solve all of their problems."Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Hes given me this platform, this ability. The fame, getting the chance to do this is great and all, but its not fulfilling as much as the relationship I have with Him," Judge said during a media availability on Monday, via CBN Sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Build a relationship with Him, and thatll solve all your problems."Judge has been open about his faith throughout his career and showcased it on Monday while he prepared for the MLB All-Star Game.Judges bat, which was painted blue and featured his daughters name, Nora, also had a reference to a passage from the Bible on it 2 Corinthians 5:7.METS' PETE ALONSO WANTS TO BRING 'HOCKEY-STYLE' FIGHTS TO BASEBALL IN PROPOSED RULE CHANGE"For we live by faith, not by sight," the verse read.The Yankees' captain is in the midst of another incredible season as he leads the major leagues with a .355 batting average, is second with 35 home runs, and has 81 RBI while playing great defense in right field.The seven-time All-Star is going for his third American League MVP award in three seasons. Judge won the AL MVP in 2022 after setting the American League home run record with 62 home runs and won the award last season after leading the big leagues in home runs (58) and RBI (144).The Yankees fell out of first place in the American League East but still occupy one of the wildcard spots. The team will need Judge to continue his remarkable play as they make a playoff push.Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid and James Harden created one of the best dynamic duos in the NBA when they were together.But after almost two seasons together on the court, Embiid revealed hes no longer on speaking terms with his former teammate."No one knows this, but even James [Harden] is not talking to me," Embiid told ESPN in a lengthy interview. "Thats the part I dont like about being that guy, because it puts you in the middle of those situations. Because if you ask James, he probably believes I had something to do with him not being here. And Im just like, I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMEmbiid added, "It hurts when you feel like you havent done anything wrong. When you think you have a relationship like that with somebody you lose a lot."KEVIN DURANT, STEVE NASH REFLECT ON ISSUES THAT PLAGUED NETS DURING TURBULENT RUN IN BROOKLYNHarden joined the Sixers in 2022 after a bombshell trade with the Brooklyn Nets sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to the Big Apple. The Sixers were immediately considered championship contenders with Harden and Embiid.However, Philadelphia lost early in the NBA Playoffs, falling in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons.Embiid won his only league MVP during the 2022-23 campaign, when he averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Harden led the league in assists with 10.7 per game.But after the teams playoff run that season, Harden became publicly disgruntled with the 76ers, specifically president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Harden believed he had earned a max contract from the team, and he requested a trade after Morey did not give him one.It got uglier. Harden called Morey a "liar," saying he would "never be a part of an organization that (Morey's) a part of."Harden was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

All Elite Wrestling stars Adam Copeland and Christian Cage made their impacts felt across the pro wrestling world over the weekend.Copeland returned at All In: Texas on Saturday to save Cage, whose real name is Jay Reso, from a beatdown as his stablemates Nick Wayne, Nicks mother Shayna and Kip Sabian turned on him following a match against Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMCopeland came out to the roar of the crowd."That will never get old. It really wont," Copeland told Fox News Digital. "And Ive learned over the years to just enjoy those moments and not get too bogged down in, Should I run straight or No, just enjoy it and let the audience enjoy it too, and thats what this whole business has always been about, or supposed to be, is to have fun as an audience member and a performer too even though it hurts a lot."Copeland described the whirlwind feeling going from sitting at home and reading a book to the electric crowd noise that hit him in the face when he appeared at Globe Life Field."It will never get old, and if you could bottle it, that feeling is just amazing."Cage was awaiting a chair shot to the face when Copeland came out."Like he said, its great," Cage said. "When we walk out there, in a sea of people, like Adam said, you have to take it in because you never know when it could be the last time. So, you always have to appreciate those moments. And as a performer too, when youve been gone for a while, youre always kind of in your own head like, How many people are actually going to care if I come back? And when you hear a reaction like that, its very validating. It was nice to hear."AEW STARS ADAM COPELAND, JAY RESO OPEN UP ABOUT NEW PURE PLANK IDEA, BOARD'S SUCCESSBefore Cage performed at All In: Texas on Saturday, he made a surprising appearance at Ring of Honors event, Supercard of Honor. It was Cages first appearance at a Ring of Honor event in nearly 20 years. He congratulated Wayne in the ring as the young pro wrestler retained his Ring of Honor World Television Championship."It was a last-minute thing," he explained. "I walked out there to completely surprise the family. I got a surprise the next night thats another story. But it was cool. Hardcore wrestling fans like that, its always cool to walk out in those moments, especially when its not expected. I hid in the back and walked out there it was pretty cool."Copeland and Cage will now embark on a new storyline that could bring them back as a tag team. After Copeland saved Cage from a beatdown, he told his longtime friend to "go find yourself."Copeland told Fox News Digital he hoped to get to tell a "layered story" over the next weeks and months."Thats the great thing about having 40 years of history with each other because we have so much history to be able to pull from, but also more than that," he said. "Were two entirely different performers than we were before. Id like to think were better all-around performers than we were before. Thats exciting. And really, to be able to possibly revisit something, again its fun, which is the whole idea of this. I hope that this is what it will be for the audience is fun."Cage added that he didnt want to take this next chapter for granted."There was a time this was taken away from both of us. For us to get back in the ring and to be able to, when Adam first came to AEW as opponents, and then potentially well see where this goes as far as tag team goes, but just to be able to appreciate every moment of it because at one point it looked like neither of us were going to get this opportunity again. To kind of even have this moment, just to kind of embrace it and take it all in."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

PBS CEO and president Paula Kerger claimed Wednesday that she doesnt see any evidence behind the accusations that her outlet is partial to liberal viewpoints.Kergers comments come as the U.S. Senate is set to vote on President Donald Trumps rescission bill, a piece of legislation that would cut just over $1 billion in federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the government-backed funding arm for NPR and PBS.Trump and Republicans have made the case for the cuts, saying they are scraping back funding for "woke" programs that do little more than gird the governments spending addiction."When I look at the range of our programmings on public broadcasting, I cant make any sense of an argument that we are somehow biased in any way," Kerger told CNN anchor Boris Sanchez.NPR, PBS HONCHOS FACE TENSE GRILLING BY GOP LAWMAKERS OVER BIASED COVERAGE, TAXPAYER FUNDINGSanchez cited the Trump administration stating that PBS publishes "radical woke propaganda disguised as news," and asked Kerger to respond."I dont think that Daniel Tigers Neighborhood is a biased program," she replied, providing an example of PBS childrens programming. It teaches children basic skills around letters and numbers."GOP lawmakers have pointed to examples of PBS children's programming showing evidence of left-wing bias.Rep. Mary Miller, D-Ill., called out PBS program Sesame Street for promoting Pride Month this June in an X post, as the show has done in the past.She shared the post, and commented, "PBS is shamelessly grooming our children while collecting taxpayer dollars. This is evil and should infuriate every parent in America. DEFUND!!""Federal funds arent for grooming. Through Sesame Street characters or otherwise. Defund PBS," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted to his personal X account last month in reply to a video of a 2020 episode of "The Not-Too-Late Show" with Sesame Street character Elmo featuring Johnathan Van Ness of Netflixs "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."PBS, NPR BLAST 'BLATANTLY UNLAWFUL' TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER HALTING PUBLIC FUNDING, VOW CHALLENGES"The news programming that we do represents about 10% of our broadcast schedule, and that includes the [PBS] NewsHour, of which Im very proud of the excellence of the journalism of that series," Kerger continued.She claimed that she often asks people for examples of liberal bias in PBS programming, but they have trouble presenting her with any."People often struggle to come up with examples of what really theyre talking about," she said, adding, "So, were always interested, obviously, in making sure that were serving a multiplicity of viewpoints."PBS has been heavily criticized for political bias and for advancing leftist ideologies like gender ideology, such as a PBS movie called "Real Boy," which, according to PBS, follows a transgender-identifying teen as he "navigates adolescence, sobriety, and physical and emotional ramifications of his changing gender identity." A "PBS Newshour" segment on promoted transgender treatments for children such as puberty blockers while shrugging off Republican criticisms."PBS NewsHour" anchor Judy Woodruff apologized in August for her "mistake" in reporting that President Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas until after the 2024 presidential election to benefit him politically.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREDuring an interview with journalist Katie Couric in May, Kerger denied seeing any bias to one side in her networks programming."You know, I get as many calls from people on the more progressive side as on the conservative side that have issues every night with every nights broadcast. You know, I see this or I see that," she said.Kerger also suggested that viewers who complain are the ones seeing red when they see a narrative they dont like."Were in a difficult time right now in our country around news coverage where people forget that news is news, and it is not about hearing information that is reaffirming what you think you know," she told Couric.

Darius Rucker abruptly ended his concert in New Jersey after losing his voice mid-performance.On Saturday, the 59-year-old country music star suddenly paused after performing a few songs at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and told the crowd that he couldn't continue with the show."Y'all, I can't sing anymore," the Hootie & the Blowfish frontman said in a video by a fan on Philly Burbs.DARIUS RUCKER DEVASTATED BY DEATH OF LONGTIME PRODUCTION MANAGER: 'HE WAS OUR BROTHER'He continued, "I'm going to play one more song. I promise you, we are going to figure this out. You're going to get your money back.""I just can't sing. I've never done this before," Rucker added. "This never happened. I physically can't sing, and I promise you on everything that I stand for I will make this up to you."Rucker went on to play his hit 2013 "Wagon Wheel" as the crowd sang along. The musician then apologized to the audience before exiting the stage."I promise you I will make this up to you," he said. "I promise you, we will figure this out and I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."On Sunday, Rucker shared an update in a post on his Instagram Story. The singer once again apologized for ending the concert early and informed attendees that they would receive full refunds."Thank you so much for coming out Saturday night," Rucker wrote, per Philly Burbs. "I feel awful and I'm so sorry I have never lost my voice in all my years of performing.""We looked at every option to reschedule, but unfortunately, it's just not possible this year, so we're issuing full refunds," the three-time Grammy Award winner added."Thank you so much for all your kind messages wishing me well. Love y'all and see you soon!"Last Saturday's show was the third stop on Rucker's ongoing 45-date international tour. The tour kicked off on July 10 at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSA representative for Rucker told Fox News Digital that "there is no further interruption in his touring schedule. ""Following vocal rest, Darius has been cleared to resume shows," Rucker's spokesperson added.Rucker is next scheduled to perform on Saturday, July 19, at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Hollywood, Florida.The United States leg of Rucker's tour will continue through September before the rocker heads across the pond for several shows in the United Kingdom. In October, Rucker will perform at two concerts in his home state of South Carolina before continuing his tour with shows in Canada. The tour will conclude on Dec. 13 at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples, Florida.In October 2023, Rucker released his seventh solo studio album, "Carolyn's Boy." Hootie & the Blowfish's sixth studio album "Imperfect Circle" debuted in November 2019.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERIn June, Rucker confirmed that he was working on new music and had been inspired by his move to London earlier this year."I'm working on my album, Im sure my singles going to be coming out here soon, you know, and I'm ready for people hear that," Rucker told People magazine. "Im looking forward to finishing my record and getting that out. I think it's refreshing, its new. I think my fans are gonna be really, really excited.""I went to London to get just a different flavor." he added. "And I think I did that. I think people are going to like what we did."After Rucker's Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony in 2023, the acclaimed musician exclusively told Fox News Digital that he didn't feel as though he had reached the pinnacle of his career just yet."I think the thing that keeps me working so hard is I always feel like I haven't done enough," the singer said.While he's been singing and recording music for most of his life, there was one key moment when he knew he had hit a level of success.Rucker realized he had truly made it as an artist when he was asked to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry."That was really when I was like, 'This is really working. This is happening. People get it.' And that was pretty cool," Rucker recalled.

Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota was hospitalized Wednesday after she began feeling unwell while working at the Capitol, according to a statement from her staff."While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well," read a post on X. "She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital."SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AS DC STRUGGLES WITH HEATWAVEDoctors have opted to keep her overnight "out of an abundance of caution," her office said."She expects to be back at work very soon," the statement reads.Smith, 67, has served in the Senate since 2018.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSenator Smith's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening- Jill Biden 'work husband' pleads Fifth Amendment, dodges House GOP cover-up probe questions- Israel strikes Syria's military headquarters as the regime clashes with Druze civilians- Senate marches toward passing Trump's $9B clawback bill after dramatic late-night votesSen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has been referred to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution regarding mortgage documents.The director of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in May citing alleged misconduct by Schiff, who owns homes in California and Maryland."Based on media reports, Mr. Adam B. Schiff has, in multiple instances, falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, impacting payments from 2003-2019 for a Potomac, Maryland-based property," FHFA Director William Pulte wrote in the letter, which Fox News obtained on Wednesday. "As regulator of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, we take very seriously allegations of mortgage fraud or other criminal activity. Such misconduct jeopardizes the safety and soundness of FHFAs regulated entities and the security and stability of the U.S. mortgage market" READ MORE.DIPLOMATIC DEMOLITION: 'It's sort of scary': Officials flag surprising revelations from deep State Department cutsPINK SLIP POLITICS: Trump's controversial plan to fire federal workers finds favor with Supreme CourtNO MORE SECRETS: Bondi should release 'credible' Epstein files, Trump saysLEGAL SHELL GAME: Judge weighs Abrego Garcia detention status as Trump admin confirms plans to immediately deport himHHS SHAKEUP: RFK Jr. fires two top aides at HHSLOYALTY FIRST: Loyal Jill Biden aide arrives for sworn deposition in Comer's cover-up probeHIDING THE DECLINE: Jill Biden's 'work husband' pleads Fifth Amendment, dodges House GOP cover-up probe questionsOVERRULED: Conservative legal group presses agency to act on Trumps voter citizenship mandate despite court injunctionsFAITH TAKES PRIORITY: EXCLUSIVE: Trump admin strengthens religious accommodations in federal workforceTRIPLE THREAT RISING: Japan says China, North Korea and Russia represent biggest threat since WWII, US is 'cornerstone of peace' in the regionBLAME GAME BEGINS: Israel slams UN for ignoring aid already in Gaza while demanding moreAYATOLLAH ULTIMATUM: Iran's leader threatens 'even bigger blow' against US, Trump says he's in no rush to talkTRADE ON THE ROCKS: From bourbon to bordeaux: Trump's tariffs spill into global booze marketsBATTLE HEATS UP: Israel strikes Syria's military headquarters as theregime clashes with Druze civiliansPROMISES DELIVERED: RNC chair says 'big, beautiful bill' key part of GOP's strategy to win seats in midterm electionsSPENDING CUT SPRINT: Senate marches toward passing Trump's $9B clawback bill after dramatic late-night votesBIDEN BORDER FAILURE: FIRST ON FOX: Mother of daughter murdered by alleged MS-13 gang member speaks out in favor of new house billBENEFIT BATTLE: Workers striking by choice could lose unemployment benefits in blue states under GOP proposalFOREIGN TOURISTS PAY UP: Congress considers permanent national park fee increase for foreign visitors'SERIOUS LOWLIFE': WATCH: Adam Schiff silent after Trump accused him of mortgage fraudMESSAGE LOST: Speaker Johnson reveals Musk left MAGA ally's lengthy text hanging in 'the ether' after Trump blowupTENSIONS BOIL OVER: Dem Disorder: DNC squabbles play out in NYC mayoral race for all to seeTHE HOT SEAT: Former DC council member wins back seat months after being expelled over bribery chargeSWEET DECEPTION: Texas AG Paxton office launching investigation into M&Ms and Skittles manufacturer Mars for "deceptive" practices promising to remove artificial dyesCRYING FOUL: Ghislaine Maxwell's family insists she received unfair trial in high-profile Epstein caseTRUMP'S 'BACKUP': Aiming to give Trump 'backup,' second Republican enters swing state race for Democrat-held Senate seatPAST EXPOSED: Unearthed social media posts expose radical anti-Israel views of Mamdani's dad: 'Colonial occupation'Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

A mother and her young son were rescued after getting lost in a California forest, thanks to quick thinking, a handwritten note and timely action by rescuers.It happened on Saturday, July 12, when a routine training exercise for the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Team turned into a real-life rescue mission in the rugged terrain near Spicer Reservoir.Shortly before 1:30 p.m., Calaveras County Dispatch received a report of a 49-year-old mother and her 9-year-old son who were overdue from a trip to Camp Wolfeboro. The pair had left Sacramento the day before but had since gone silent no calls, no texts and no check-ins, according to the reporting party.Concerned for their safety, a deputy was immediately sent to investigate. Fortunately, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team was already training nearby and quickly joined the search.FIVE HELICOPTERS NEEDED TO SAVE INJURED SOLO CLIMBER ON CALIFORNIA'S SECOND-HIGHEST PEAKA location-sharing app provided by the reporting party helped narrow the search zone, officials said. Air support from the California Highway Patrol was also called in to assist.A breakthrough in the search came from a promising lead a 911 text from nearby campers who reported seeing a vehicle that matched the missing familys description the day before. With this critical tip, officials said searchers zeroed in on the area.Then, early in the evening, searchers discovered a handwritten note at a remote intersection. It was from the missing mother, pleading for help.HIKER DISAPPEARS IN WILDERNESS AFTER TAKING SHORTCUT THAT LEADS TO VOICE FROM THE WOODSThe Calaveras County Sheriff's Office shared an image of the note, showing the directions the mother had laid out to help find them."HELP. Me and my son are stranded with no service and cant call 911," the note read. "We are ahead, up the road to the right. Please call 911 to get help for us. Thank you!"Following a series of similar notes left along the route, rescuers tracked the pair to their vehicle, roughly a mile down the road.However, the remote location and thick forest canopy posed another challenge as cell and radio signals were blocked, "making standard radio or cell communication impossible."Officials said the rescue team utilized an amateur radio frequency, commonly known as "HAM radio," to establish communication.HIKER DISAPPEARS FROM EDGE OF THE WORLD CAMPGROUND ON TRIP WITH FATHERAfter broadcasting "emergency traffic" on the HAM radio, their call was immediately answered by a retired El Dorado County Communications Supervisor who was a HAM Operator monitoring frequencies from his home."This HAM operator then contacted the El Dorado 911 center, which provided the information to Calaveras Dispatch, and the SAR command post was notified," officials said.Rescuers used recovery equipment to free the familys vehicle and safely escorted them back to the command post, where they were reunited with anxious loved ones.Officials said that the rescue mission revealed just how quickly technology can fail in remote areas.Authorities later revealed that the mother had been following a GPS route that diverted her onto remote backroads. When the signal dropped, the pair became disoriented deep in the forest.Despite the dangerous circumstances, officials said the duo made several smart decisions that contributed to their safe rescue. They left notes at intersections, used hazard lights at night, and relied on basic survival skills. Notably, the young boy used a whistle in short bursts to help signal their location, officials said.Authorities highlighted that their most important move was informing someone of their itinerary and expected return, critical information that helped launch the timely rescue.