On July 22, 2022, Border Patrol agents assigned to the All-Terrain Vehicle Unit from the Deming, New Mexico Border Patrol Station were following foot tracks in a secluded area in the Deming station’s area of responsibility. One of the agents observed an individual walking towards him, who informed the agent that a migrant from his group needed help and proceeded to guide the agent to an area near Inmon Road and Brazil Road, approximately 16 miles northeast of the Columbus Port of Entry where the man was located.
Once at the location, the agent saw a juvenile male, citizen of Mexico, lying on the ground having difficulty breathing and foaming at the mouth. The agent immediately requested Emergency Medical Services and assistance from the other agents in the area. The agent poured water on the juvenile’s head and laid him on his side to prevent him from choking as they waited for EMS.
The Deming Police Department, the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, and Columbus Fire EMS arrived at the location a short time later. Columbus Fire EMS assessed the juvenile and secured him on a backboard to evacuate him out of the area. To expedite his evacuation, agents transported the juvenile on their ATV to the ambulance. Columbus Fire EMS transported the juvenile to Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming, New Mexico. While at the hospital, medical personnel determined the juvenile needed advanced medical treatment and he was subsequently transferred to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. The juvenile was admitted to the hospital while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.
The juvenile was processed in accordance with CBP guidelines, released from CBP custody and remained at University Medical Center in critical condition on July 23, 2022. The juvenile’s father was also released from CBP custody and was transported by Border Patrol to the hospital to be with his son.
The juvenile succumbed to his ailments and was declared deceased by hospital personnel on July 24, 2022.
This incident is being reviewed by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.