On October 25, 2024, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) from the Santa Teresa Station encountered a group of individuals illegally crossing into the United States near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. Among them was a man from Mexico who expressed feeling unwell and requested water, which was provided by the agents.
Shortly after, the man and five others were placed in a transport van without restraints for transportation to the station. During transit, another individual in the van alerted the BPA that the man appeared to be in medical distress. The vehicle stopped at Pete Domenici Boulevard and Bi-National Way in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
A Border Patrol emergency medical technician was called via radio when it became clear that the man had become unresponsive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated by another BPA who arrived on scene. Emergency medical services were contacted at approximately 6:01 a.m., and American Medical Response personnel arrived around 6:20 a.m. They transported the man to Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus in El Paso, Texas.
Despite efforts to save him, a doctor pronounced the man deceased at approximately 6:53 a.m. An autopsy conducted later that morning by El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner determined his death resulted from natural causes due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
This notification is part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's policy on reporting certain deaths as per Department of Homeland Security requirements.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as "America's frontline," emphasizing its role as both law enforcement and border management agency with over 65,000 personnel working across various domains to protect national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
