On August 3, 2022, at approximately 3:29 p.m., a remote video surveillance system operator spotted a group of migrants crossing the primary International Border Barrier near the San Ysidro, Calif., Port of Entry.
The operator transmitted the group’s location via radio to agents in the area. Two agents responded to the area between the primary and secondary border barrier in marked vehicles. As the agents approached, seven migrants climbed onto the secondary barrier with a metal ladder. The remainder of the group ran south and returned to Mexico through a compromised section of the barrier.
As the first agent arrived, he observed several migrants sliding down the beams on the north side of the secondary barrier. The agent parked his vehicle approximately ten feet south and exited; as the agent was assessing the situation, he heard a loud thump and observed a man lying on the other side of the secondary barrier north of his location.
The agent approached the area and observed the man sustained a severe head wound from an apparent fall from the secondary barrier. The agent immediately radioed for emergency medical assistance and other agents responded and assessed the man’s condition. San Diego Fire Department emergency medical personnel arrived at the location at approximately 3:47 p.m. and declared the man deceased at approximately 3:50 p.m. The man was identified as a citizen of Mexico.
Special agents with CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility interviewed four undocumented migrants from the group and several stated they observed Border Patrol responding to their location. One of the migrants also indicated he heard a siren coming from a Border Patrol vehicle. None of the migrants heard the agents giving commands and they further indicated they did not witness the man falling from the barrier.
This incident is being reviewed by OPR. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
Man dies after falling from the International Border Barrier near San Ysidro, Calif.
Release Date
Wed, 08/10/2022
Last Modified: Jan 04, 2024