On July 25, 2021, at approximately 6:30 p.m, a Border Patrol camera operator observed several individuals crossing the international border fence, approximately one and a half miles west of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Two Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) approached the area in marked Border Patrol vehicles from the west between the primary and secondary border fences, and a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA) approached from the east. The first BPA that arrived in the area observed an individual near the base of the secondary fence. As he was placing that individual into custody, he heard something hit the ground on the other side of the secondary fence immediately north of his location. The BPA was able to see an unresponsive individual lying on the ground on the north side of the fence and immediately requested emergency medical assistance. Within seconds, the SBPA responded to the north side of the secondary fence and discovered a male Mexican citizen who had suffered a severe head injury from an apparent fall from the fence. San Diego Fire Department emergency medical personnel arrived at the location approximately ten minutes later and ultimately declared the man deceased on the scene.
This incident is being investigated by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and is under review by the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.