On April 11, 2021, a civilian notified Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to Hebbronville, TX, of a vehicle suspected of being involved in human smuggling activities. BPAs subsequently located the vehicle which was reportedly driving erratically and violating traffic laws in an apparent attempt to leave the area as quickly as possible. The driver slowed down long enough for several occupants to exit the vehicle and run into the brush. BPAs found a male Mexican Citizen in the street at that location and observed he was suffering from a head injury and contacted emergency medical services. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital in San Antonio, TX, where he remained until April 25, 2021, when he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle eventually pulled over when BPAs were close enough to execute a traffic stop.
This incident is being reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
Note: Initial review of the incident did not indicate this to be a death in custody however upon further review the disposition changed, accounting for the delay in posting.