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  4. Agents Rescue Injured Illegal Alien on Otay Mountain

Agents Rescue Injured Illegal Alien on Otay Mountain

Release Date
Tue, 01/09/2018

DULZURA, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued a 41-year-old male Mexican national who fell off the International border fence on Otay Mountain and injured himself in an attempt to enter the country illegally on Sunday.

On Jan. 7, 2018, at approximately 7:30 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol was contacted by the Tijuana Fire Department which relayed a call from an unknown injured alien located in a remote location on Otay Mountain about eight miles east of the Otay Mesa port of entry. They stated the man fell as he climbed the border fence in an attempt to enter the US illegally and possibly broke his ankle. The Tijuana Fire Department could not respond to the area due to the arduous terrain and lack of infrastructure on the mountain.

Border Patrol agents responded to the given location and encountered an injured man immediately south of the border fence which runs approximately 400 yards north of the international boundary with Mexico in this location. In order to provide aid to the injured man, agents unlocked a nearby maintenance gate on the border fence to gain access to him. Agents provided aid to the man who appeared to have a broken ankle, safely extracted him and assumed custody.

Agents notified Emergency Medical Services which sent an ambulance to an area five miles west of the incident. Agents safely transported the injured illegal alien to the bottom of west Otay Mountain to meet paramedics. The man is currently being treated for his injuries at a local hospital.

“Our job is to enforce the laws of the United States, but preservation of life is always a top priority,” said San Diego Sector Chief Rodney Scott. “With inclement weather approaching this area, a likely tragedy was avoided because of our agents’ quick response and concern for others.”

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021