On June 23, 2024, Border Patrol Agents in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, responded to a report from the Army National Guard. A helicopter aircrew had spotted a person wandering near Straus Road in Santa Teresa. Upon arrival at approximately 9:48 p.m., agents encountered a female undocumented noncitizen who led them to another woman in medical distress nearby.

The second woman was exhibiting symptoms consistent with dehydration. The agents attempted to render aid by using water to cool her and tried to give her water, but she was unresponsive and unable to drink. Emergency medical services were requested by radio at around 9:50 p.m.

An American Medical Response EMS unit arrived at approximately 10:17 p.m. and took over primary medical care. The woman was transported to University Medical Center of El Paso at about 11:06 p.m., where she was admitted to the intensive care unit under hospital watch by Border Patrol. Doctors diagnosed her with kidney failure and a blood clotting disorder due to severe dehydration. She was pronounced deceased on June 25, 2024, at approximately 9:57 a.m.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requested an autopsy by the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner. Conducted on June 25, the autopsy determined that death was accidental, caused by hyperthermia.

CBP OPR is currently reviewing this incident, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General has been notified.

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency," according to CBP's statement. "The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas."