Migrant dies after he is located in medical distress near Santa Teresa, New Mexico

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at approximately 2:24 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station were conducting line watch duties and encountered an undocumented migrant, later identified as a Mexican citizen, in severe medical distress.

The Border Patrol agents advised, via service radio, the man was severely dehydrated and had labored breathing. At approximately 2:25 p.m., the agents requested emergency medical services via service radio.

The Border Patrol agents advised, via service radio at approximately 2:30 p.m., the migrant was having seizures and then no longer had a pulse. Agents immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and continued until Sunland Park Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 2:36 p.m. The fire department then took over primary medical care of the migrant.

American Medical Response arrived on scene at approximately 2:38 p.m., loaded the man into the ambulance and then transported him at approximately 2:39 p.m. to Las Palmas Medical Center. An agent followed the ambulance to the medical center to conduct hospital watch.

The man arrived at Las Palmas Medical Center at approximately 3:01 p.m. and was diagnosed with a high body core temperature and cardiac arrest. Medical center personnel informed the Border Patrol agent performing hospital watch the man was declared deceased by the attending physician at 3:22 p.m., stating the cause of death was dehydration, high core body temperature, and cardiac arrest.

CBP Office of Professional Responsibility requested an autopsy of the decedent on August 3, and the El Paso Medical Examiner’s Office advised an autopsy would not be performed, but an external examination of the remains would be conducted. The results of the examination will be furnished by that office when available.

This incident is under review by CBP OPR. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was notified.