SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials from ports of entry in the San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties are warning undocumented immigrants about the dangers of being smuggled in a vehicle compartment or trunk.
“Concealing people in confined areas of vehicles is very dangerous and could result in severe consequences,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “While there is no safe way to illegally cross the border, this tactic, especially during these high temperatures, increases the probability of individuals sustaining critical injuries including death.”
Over the last couple of weeks, CBP officers have extracted individuals hidden inside vehicles and the toll it takes has proven to be dangerous to one’s health. In some incidents, people are experiencing severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and burns.
Some of the compartments that officers have rescued people from, but not limited to, are in the trunk and under the rear passenger seats.
CBP officials are urging people who are considering attempting enter the country this way to think of the consequences and reconsider putting your life or that of a family member’s life in danger. The rising temperatures in San Diego and in the Imperial Valley are at record setting highs. Concealing a person in a compartment especially with this heat can create low levels of oxygen that can result in physical distress and the need for emergent medical care.
For a related incident, please visit: CBP.gov.