Three individuals suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border were found dead on March 14, according to the U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector.
In the first incident, agents from the Brown Field station responded to a rescue call near Cuchama Truck Trail in Otay Mountain Wilderness. They found an adult female who had called for help and another deceased woman. Interviews suggested both women had crossed into the U.S. illegally about five miles west of the Tecate Port of Entry. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) evaluated both women, and the caller was later taken to a Border Patrol station for processing. The San Diego Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation and extraction of the deceased.
Later that evening, at 7:20 p.m., Chula Vista station agents responded to another distress call in Otay Mountain Wilderness. Three individuals suspected of illegal entry reported being lost with symptoms of hypothermia and other issues. Agents located a 16-year-old girl and two deceased males; one was identified as her father. EMS transported the minor to a hospital for evaluation before she was taken to a Border Patrol station for processing. The Sheriff's Office is also investigating this case.
On March 15 at 11:05 p.m., Brown Field agents attended to another distress call involving an individual with an ankle injury in Otay Mountains. An Army helicopter helped locate him, and though he declined medical assistance, he received food and water before being taken for processing.
These incidents occurred during a storm when temperatures dropped near freezing in San Diego's mountains. The San Diego Sector highlighted the dangers associated with illegal border crossings, citing risks like dehydration, starvation, heat stroke, and hypothermia.
“Our message for anyone who might attempt an illegal crossing into the U.S. is simple: Don’t do it,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker of the San Diego Sector. “The Otay Mountain wilderness is unpredictable and unforgiving."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), described as America's frontline agency, comprises over 65,000 personnel responsible for securing borders while facilitating legal travel and trade.
