On July 2, 2024, a migrant was killed following a vehicle pursuit by law enforcement near El Paso, Texas. Border Patrol Agents from the Santa Teresa Station’s Anti-Smuggling Unit were conducting surveillance in plain clothes when they observed a white sedan picking up two suspected undocumented noncitizens. The agents followed the vehicle towards the New Mexico/Texas border and requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The pursuit continued on I-10 with both unmarked and marked units involved. Despite attempts to stop the sedan, it failed to yield and eventually crashed into another vehicle at an intersection approximately 20 miles from where it was first spotted.

Upon arrival at the crash site, agents and troopers found one passenger unresponsive. CPR was administered until emergency services arrived and transported him to University Medical Center of El Paso. He was later placed on a ventilator due to a traumatic brain injury but succumbed to his injuries on July 7, 2024.

Other passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment while the driver was arrested. Passengers reported entering the U.S. without inspection and being pursued by police after being picked up by the sedan.

The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident, with notification given to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization," states CBP about its role in safeguarding borders through various means including collaboration and innovation.