On November 8, 2024, a tragic incident occurred near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, California. A man fell from the border barrier while attempting to cross into the United States. The event was first reported by a National Guardsman using a Border Patrol Remote Video Surveillance System at approximately 5:42 a.m.

The surveillance footage showed that one individual returned to Mexico and three others managed to escape north of the secondary border barrier before Border Patrol agents arrived. The secondary barrier at this location is about 30 feet tall and made of vertical metal bollards.

A Border Patrol agent arrived on the scene around 5:44 a.m., observing two men atop the northern barrier. As they descended, one man fell and landed on the north side of the secondary barrier. He was later identified as a citizen of Colombia. The second man successfully completed his descent and fled but was apprehended shortly after.

The agent requested emergency medical services (EMS) at approximately 5:45 a.m., noting that the injured man was conscious and breathing. An improvised ladder used by the men to scale the barrier was found and removed by the agent.

Efforts were made to reach and assist the injured man promptly. By approximately 6:03 a.m., surveillance video captured an unescorted San Diego Fire Department fire truck arriving near the site but it had difficulty locating access due to barriers.

At around 6:15 a.m., reports indicated that the injured man became physically unresponsive. EMS personnel reached him at approximately 6:22 a.m., but despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased by 6:25 a.m.

The San Diego Police Department arrived on scene around 6:50 a.m., followed by an investigator from the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office who took custody of the body at approximately 9:14 a.m.

An autopsy was conducted on November 9, 2024, as part of ongoing investigations led by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility with notification made to Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), described as "America's frontline," continues its mission with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national borders through various means including air, land, and sea operations while facilitating lawful travel and trade.