On May 31, 2024, two migrants sought help at a residence in Sunland Park, New Mexico. A construction worker at the location called emergency services. The Sunland Park Fire Department and Police Department responded and requested an air ambulance. The Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station was informed of the situation, leading to the dispatch of a Border Patrol agent who arrived shortly after.

Upon arrival, emergency medical services were treating a female migrant from Mexico who was unresponsive but breathing. She received intravenous therapy, ice packs, and oxygen support. Native Air EMS transported her to University Medical Center of El Paso in Texas later that evening. Her husband was taken to the Santa Teresa station for processing and medical treatment.

The next day, June 1, the woman and her husband were issued a Notice to Appear and released from custody with hospital watch discontinued by Border Patrol. Special agents interviewed the woman's husband who stated they had entered the U.S. on May 31 under extreme heat conditions without water due to restrictions imposed by smugglers.

On June 3, while still hospitalized, the woman passed away. An autopsy is scheduled by the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner with results pending review by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has been notified about this incident.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as "America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization" tasked with protecting national security through various means including innovation and collaboration.