FATAL ENCOUNTERS WITH CBP SINCE 2010
Updated February 1, 2024
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which includes the Border Patrol, is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. CBP’s lack of accountability and oversight paired with its culture of violence has resulted in the loss of lives of U.S. citizens and noncitizens. No on-duty agent in the nearly 100-year history of the agency has been successfully convicted of a killing while on duty.
SBCC compiles fatal encounters through analysis of CBP press releases, media and news outlet reporting, and reports by community members from 2010 to current day. We define a “fatal encounter” as any instance in which a CBP agent is trying to apprehend an individual, has made contact with a person, and/or has a person in custody and that person passes away during the interaction or shortly after the interaction. For instance, some types of fatal encounters we have included are:
- Use of force incidents of any kind that result in death
- Instances in which a person is being actively pursued by CBP on foot, in the water, or in a vehicle that results in loss of life
- A response by CBP to any emergency call that results in a loss of life
- Any sort of death that occurs in CBP custody for any reason
- Off-duty homicides
Since January 2010, 294 people have died as the result of encounters with CBP agents. Many more have been brutalized, in some cases causing life-altering injuries. These deaths are an undercount. According to a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office, CBP does not have reliable information on deaths and has not consistently reported death-related information to Congress.
According to SBCC's analysis, 77 of these deaths were caused by an on-duty CBP agent’s use of force including a fatal shooting, asphyxiation, a Taser, beating or a chemical agent. Another 103 deaths were due to vehicle collisions involving Border Patrol, the majority (89) of which occurred during high-speed car chases initiated by Border Patrol. In addition, 80 of the deaths were related to failure to provide adequate medical attention or medical emergencies, either while individuals were in CBP custody or directly after an encounter with agents. Fifteen deaths were homicides carried out by off-duty officers and in these cases, agents were often charged, convicted and sentenced to prison time. Twenty-nine were due to unknown or other causes, including four cases of alleged suicide and seventeen drownings.
For additional information about these encounters and data visualizations, please visit the Abuse of Power and Its Consequences page of Border Lens.
2024 |
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2024
1 death
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294. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: January 23, 2024
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
The incident was reported at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Mines Road overpass which connects Mines Road to Del Mar. According to Laredo Police, a grey colored Chevy Suburban was allegedly trying to evade from Border Patrol at the time .While the driver was trying to evade Border Patrol agents, the driver hit a barricade resulting in a crash that caused three people to be thrown from the vehicle.
According to police, one person died on the edge of Del Mar and the other fell off the bridge and landed on Santa Maria Ave. Two people are in critical condition; meanwhile, the other people inside the vehicle received non-life-threatening injuries.
2023
40 deaths
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293. Dario Zamudio
Age: 13
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical (injuries from suspected car accident)
Incident Date: December 2, 2023
Incident Location: Jacumba, CA
An investigation is underway after a 13-year-old, later identified as Dario Zamudio, arrived injured at the U.S.-Mexico border just after 10:30am and later died, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports.
According to CBP and CalFire, the teen arrived at the border fence with traumatic injuries on Saturday just after 10:30 a.m. in the area of 43700 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba. He was believed to be involved in a car accident in Mexico, and was taken to the border wall for faster treatment, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported Monday afternoon.
The sheriff’s department reports when deputies arrived on the scene the teen was already being treated by paramedics, despite not having any vital signs. According to CalFire, firefighters and paramedics arrived while CPR was being performed on the 13-year-old male when they stepped in to begin advanced life support. The 13-year-old, died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- https://fox5sandiego.com/news/border-report/teen-dies-at-san-diego-border-after-crossing-from-mexico-cbp/
- https://fox5sandiego.com/news/border-report/boy-who-died-at-san-diego-border-after-crossing-from-mexico-identified/
292. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Accident
Incident Date: October 16, 2023
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
El Paso police officials said the pedestrian who died after getting hit by a vehicle on I-10 west in downtown El Paso had run across the highway along with a group of people. The incident happened Monday night on I-10 west at Porfirio Diaz.
The preliminary investigation revealed a border patrol sensor was triggered in the area of Schuster. Border Patrol Agents saw footprints near the eastbound toward I-10 and Porfirio Diaz. Border Patrol Agents saw a group of individuals run across I-10. One of the pedestrians was struck by the Jeep Wrangler and struck by several other unknown vehicles. The pedestrian died on the scene as a result of the injuries.
It's unknown at the moment if the pedestrian was a migrant. Police officials have not identified the person.
291. Unknown
Age: 29
Nationality: Guinea
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: October 11, 2023
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
On October 11, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Imperial Beach Station were conducting line watch duties approximately 300 yards west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. While patrolling on the north side of the levee at approximately 5:15 a.m., an agent in a marked Border Patrol vehicle observed a group of undocumented migrants enter the United States through the Tijuana River channel.
The agent reported several undocumented migrants were observed running away from Government of Mexico officials as they entered the United States. Additional agents arrived at the location at approximately 5:21 a.m. and encountered a large group of more than one hundred undocumented migrants. Agents initiated efforts to sort the group of undocumented migrants into smaller groups to facilitate processing.
At approximately 5:40 a.m., prior to processing the group of undocumented migrants, agents encountered an adult female undocumented migrant sitting on the ground. The woman, identified as a citizen of Guinea, was accompanied by her male cousin, also a citizen of Guinea. Agents reported the woman appeared winded, and agents inquired if she needed an ambulance. The woman advised agents she did not need medical assistance. Agents then asked the woman’s cousin if he felt the woman required medical assistance; the man replied she was tired from running and was scared, but she did not need medical assistance. At 5:43am, agents checked again on the woman and observed that she was drinking water and seemed to be doing better.
At 5:4am, agents returned to check again on the woman. The woman’s cousin told agents that she was sleeping and when agents attempted to wake her, the agent stated the woman’s eyes opened, and he observed that the woman had a blank stare, after which the woman’s eyes rolled back into her head.
he agent immediately requested emergency medical services, via service radio, and checked for a pulse. The agent could not find a pulse, and responding agents performed chest compressions on the woman. At approximately 6:04 a.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) EMS arrived on scene and took over primary medical care of the woman. At approximately 6:17 a.m., SDFD EMS transported the woman to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista. Hospital medical personnel subsequently informed U.S. Border Patrol management that the woman succumbed to her medical condition and was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:10 a.m.
290. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: October 10, 2023
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
On Wednesday, October 10, 2023, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Texas National Guard personnel observed a large group of suspected migrants crossing the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas. Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station, including a station marine boat unit, were dispatched to the area to assist at approximately 11:21 a.m.
Agents operating the airboat encountered several undocumented migrants in the Rio Grande and began rescue efforts. At approximately 11:30 a.m., after rescuing all visible migrants in distress, agents maneuvered the airboat through floating debris (consisting of backpacks and items from the group), to continue searching for additional people. At approximately 11:35 a.m., they discovered a female undocumented migrant, later identified as a citizen of Honduras, who was unresponsive and floating amongst the debris. Agents on the airboat recovered her from the river and began administering CPR. She was taken to the U.S. riverbank and, with the assistance of Texas National Guard personnel, was taken off the airboat and placed on land where agents continued CPR.
Agents requested EMS for multiple unconscious people at approximately 11:35 a.m. Eagle Pass Fire Department arrived at the medical center at approximately 1:10 p.m., and the woman was treated in the emergency room while Border Patrol agents established hospital watch. Agents conducting hospital watch were informed by medical center personnel that the female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:10 p.m.
289. Unknown
Age: Unknown (1 month old infant)
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 23, 2023
Incident Location: Nogales, AZ
On September 23, 2023, at approximately 2:34 a.m., a Remote Video Surveillance System operator observed two individuals crossing the international boundary line on foot from Mexico into the United States. One individual returned to mexico but at 2:51am, a Border Patrol agent broadcasted over the radio that he had located the remaining individual, a 16-year-old female, along with her one-month-old infant daughter, both citizens of Mexico. The agent later reported to Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility the mother was softly crying and sniffling when he first encountered her. The agent reported he observed the mother holding an infant who was covered in a blanket. The agent instructed the mother with child to get into his transport van and proceeded to drive towards the Nogales Border Patrol Station located 2.5 miles away.
The agent reported to CBP’s OPR personnel that during transport, the agent stopped the van when the mother attempted to speak to him from the other side of the security partition. The agent stated he did not understand what the mother was trying to communicate. The agent decided to continue transporting her and the infant to Nogales Station and request that a fluent Spanish speaker ascertain what the mother was trying to communicate. The agent later reported to CBP’s OPR he was not aware the infant was in distress until they arrived at Nogales Station, and the mother spoke with another agent.
Review of video from within Nogales Border Patrol Sation by CBP’s OPR revealed that at approximately 3:01 a.m., the agent and the mother carrying the infant walked into the sally port. The apprehending agent spoke with another Border Patrol agent who then spoke with the mother. That agent began to rapidly escort the mother and infant toward the medical screening area where CBP-contracted medical personnel were located at approximately 3:02 a.m. The second agent observed the infant had labored breathing and moved quickly with the infant toward medical personnel. This agent entered the first available room and medical personnel. Medical personnel immediately began resuscitation efforts including the use of an automated external defibrillator. After some time, Nogales Fire Department EMS personnel exited Nogales Station with the infant and agents escorted the mother to Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales, Arizona at approximately 3:39 a.m. Medical personnel at the hospital pronounced the infant deceased at 4:00 a.m.
CBP OPR special agents interviewed the mother of the infant. She said that she was traveling ahead of a group trying to cross into the US and noticed her infant daughter was struggling to breathe. She noticed that her daughter was still alive in the van on their way to the station. Once they arrived at the station, her daughter was not breathing and almost looked dead. At this point, agents took the infant to medical personnel.
288. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduras
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 14, 2023
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, NM
On September 14, 2023, at approximately 4:19 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station encountered an unresponsive adult female, later identified as a citizen of Honduras, while searching for an unrelated group of migrants. The woman was in a remote location approximately 4.8 miles northwest of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry.
A Border Patrol agent emergency medical technician (EMT) arrived on the scene at approximately 4:21 p.m., evaluated the woman, and determined she was suffering from heat exhaustion and required advanced medical care. The agent EMT requested emergency medical services via radio and then placed cold water and ice packs on her body to cool her down. The agent EMT further administered an intravenous hydration bag and subsequently applied an automated external defibrillator on the woman. However, the defibrillator did not recommend a shock.
The Dona Ana, New Mexico Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 4:45 p.m., assumed primary medical care, and transported the woman to the Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, in El Paso, Texas. The woman was admitted to the hospital and agents established hospital watch. The hospital attending physician declared the woman deceased at approximately 11:14 p.m.
287. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 9, 2023
Incident Location: Sunland Park, New Mexico
U.S. Border Patrol agents on Saturday afternoon found a woman in the desert off Gila Drive and Carrizo Drive, which is near the border wall, the Sunland Park Fire Department said via the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. Border Patrol agents, firefighters and paramedics performed CPR on the woman, but she did not survive, the Sunland Park Fire Department said.
286. Unknown
Age: 29
Nationality: Honduras
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 28, 2023
Incident Location: Harlingen, TX
On Sunday, August 27, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an adult female citizen of Honduras and her two children (aged four and six) were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents (BPAs) assigned to the McAllen, Texas, Border Patrol Station. They were apprehended as part of a larger group of 15 noncitizens who had crossed into the United States illegally approximately 3.72 miles west of the Hidalgo Port of Entry and .8 miles south of the Anzalduas Port of Entry complex. CBP records indicate the noncitizen group was manifested for transport at approximately 8:41 p.m. The family arrived at the U.S. Border Patrol Donna Processing Facility (DPF) in Donna, TX, at approximately 11:02 p.m.A review of agency records by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) indicates that, while at the Donna Processing Facility, the woman and her children were medically screened and were cleared for travel.
On Monday, August 28, 2023, at approximately 7:17 a.m., the woman and her children were transported from the Donna Processing Facility to the Harlingen Border Patrol Station for further processing. The woman and her children arrived at Harlingen Station at 8:02 a.m. on a bus along with approximately 40 other noncitizens. OPR reviewed video footage and determined the non-citizens were lined up alongside the bus and the sole medical provider on-duty, a CBP-contracted EMT-Basic, systematically conducted medical screenings of each noncitizen. There is no indication from the video review that the woman expressed any concerns or that she appeared to be in distress during the medical screening process. The medical screening process concluded at 8:20 a.m., and the group entered Harlingen Station at 8:23 a.m. After entering the station, the woman can be seen picking up boxed meals and entering a cell along with her children and approximately 34 other noncitizens at approximately 8:25 a.m. The woman is not seen on video again until approximately 11:45 a.m. when she steps out of the cell briefly to retrieve three meal boxes.
Because of intermittent system outages in the e3 detention module, which took place during the duration of this incident, certain events such as welfare checks were entered retroactively based on the recollection of the personnel involved. To ensure accurate reporting, CBP OPR reviewed video footage for the duration of time the woman was in custody at Harlingen Station. This revealed that BPAs conducted visual checks by looking into the window of her cell at 8:55 a.m., 9:19 a.m., 9:57 a.m., 10:37 a.m., 11:42 a.m., 12:36 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 1:52 p.m. At 3:18 p.m. a BPA opened the door of the cell and spoke with a noncitizen briefly.
At approximately 3:58 p.m., BPAs approached the cell with meals for the noncitizens and opened the cell door. Shortly thereafter, a noncitizen adult female called out to BPAs. Two BPAs entered the cell and checked on the woman. At 3:59 p.m., a BPA stepped out of the cell and called out for assistance. Approximately 20 seconds later, the CBP-contracted EMT ran into the cell.
Interviews of BPAs and the contracted EMT who initially treated the woman indicated she was found on a mat on the cell floor covered with a mylar blanket and that her skin appeared to be discolored and cold to the touch. BPAs and the CBP-contracted EMT immediately checked her vital signs, requested emergency medical services, initiated CPR, and applied an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
CBP personnel continued CPR with the assistance of the AED until the arrival of a South Texas Emergency Care (STEC) ambulance to HRL at 4:12 p.m. STEC personnel assumed responsibility for the woman’s care and departed HRL for Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC), Harlingen, TX, at approximately 4:31 p.m. The woman was officially declared deceased by a physician at the VBMC emergency room at 4:50 p.m.
CBP OPR interviewed other noncitizens who were in the cell with the woman and her children. None indicated they were aware that she was in medical distress or that she had expressed or exhibited signs of any medical conditions. They became aware of the fact she was nonresponsive when the BPAs approached the door to their cell to provide meals and observed that one of her children was crying. Upon witnessing her condition, they immediately notified the BPAs at the door.
285. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Bangladesh
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 17, 2023
Incident Location: Lukeville, AZ
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, at approximately 2:58 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo, Arizona, Border Patrol Station Tactical Operations Center broadcasted via service radio that camera operators observed a large group of suspected undocumented migrants entering the United States from Mexico, east of the Lukeville, Arizona, Port of Entry. Border Patrol agents acknowledged the transmission and responded to the area.
A Border Patrol agent transmitted over the radio at approximately 3:02 p.m. that he was on scene and one male migrant was in medical distress. The agent requested assistance from any available emergency medical services personnel, to include air ambulance flight services. Border Patrol agents moved the man approximately two feet into a shaded area and poured water on him to cool him down.
Border Patrol agents notified the Tactical Operations Center at approximately 3:05 p.m. that the migrant in distress was an older male, later identified as a citizen of Bangladesh, who was struggling to breathe. Agents broadcasted over the service radio at approximately 3:08 p.m., that they had initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man.
Border Patrol agents performed CPR until a Border Patrol paramedic arrived on scene and attached an Automated External Defibrillator to the man. Agents reported the defibrillator recommended delivering one shock, which the agents administered before continuing CPR.
The Tactical Operations Center dispatch operators advised Border Patrol agents at approximately 3:15 p.m. that the air ambulance request was denied due to inclement weather. A supervisory Border Patrol agent arrived on scene at approximately 3:17 p.m. and requested the status of the EMS response.The supervisory Border Patrol agent broadcasted over the service radio at approximately 3:32 p.m. that agents were in consultation with medical personnel regarding the status of the migrant. The Border Patrol paramedic on scene contacted medical personnel at the Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, and informed them of the man’s medical condition.
A medical center physician telephonically declared the man deceased at 3:34 p.m. Tactical Operations Center personnel notified Border Patrol agents at approximately 3:44 p.m. that Pima County Sheriff's Office deputies were responding to the scene. Deputies arrived on scene at approximately 4:37 p.m. and took custody of the decedent.
284. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: 08/20/23
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico
On August 20, 2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents working in the Santa Teresa Station area of responsibility observed three individuals getting into a sedan at Mile Marker 2 on Strauss Road in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. BORTAC agents and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigative Division agents performed a vehicle stop on the sedan at the intersection of Executive Center Boulevard and Interstate Highway 10, in El Paso, Texas at approximately 9:50 p.m.
While conducting field interviews at approximately 11:11 p.m., BORTAC agents were advised by one of the undocumented migrants that an adult female that had been traveling with their group was left behind in the desert when she could not keep up with the group. BORSTAR agents located an unresponsive adult female, at approximately 12:08 a.m. and immediately requested emergency medical services. The female was later identified as a citizen of Guatemala. The responding Border Patrol agent EMT found the woman unconscious, unresponsive, and with her airway obstructed by vomit. The agent EMT immediately placed her in a recovery position to clear her airway. The woman had a rapid pulse, irregular breathing, and appeared to be in shock.
At approximately 12:20 a.m., BORSTAR agents placed the woman on a stretcher, placed cold packs under her armpits and groin area, and transported her on a Customs and Border Protection all-terrain vehicle to an area accessible by the responding ambulance service. EMS then took over primary medical care of the woman and transported her to The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, El Paso, Texas, at approximately 12:35 a.m.
The ambulance arrived at the hospital’s emergency room at approximately 12:57 a.m., and the woman was reportedly unresponsive and severely dehydrated with low-blood pressure and low oxygen levels. She was intubated and placed on a ventilator while in the emergency room before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Agents established hospital watch on the woman at approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 22. The woman succumbed to her medical condition and was declared deceased by hospital personnel at approximately 10:09 a.m.
283. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 8, 2023
Incident Location: Douglas, AZ
On Tuesday August 8, 2023, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Douglas Border Patrol Station were contacted by personnel from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office indicated – based on a 911 call they received – that a possible undocumented migrant was in distress in a remote location approximately 15 miles northeast of the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry in Douglas, Ariz. Two Border Patrol agents from the Douglas Station Horse Patrol Unit searched the remote area and located an adult male citizen of Mexico near the location provided by the Sheriff’s Office at approximately 8:57 p.m. One of the agents immediately announced on the radio that the man was unconscious, breathing erratically, appeared to be having seizures, and had a pulse. The agents placed the man on his left side and provided supportive care by keeping the man's airway open. Agents requested that emergency medical services respond to mile marker 384 on State Highway 80. Border Patrol agent emergency medical technician arrived at the location at approximately 9:53 p.m. to provide further care while moving the man to the agreed-upon location to meet EMS.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillaton, and CPR were performed on the man who was eventually transported to Copper Queen Hospital in Douglas, Ariz. The agents established hospital watch over the man and he was pronounced deceased by the emergency room attending physician at approximately 11:49 p.m.
282. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 6, 2023
Incident Location: Sunland Park, NM
On Saturday August 5, 2023, at approximately 1:56 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa Station were conducting line watch duties and apprehended a group of nine undocumented migrants near Sunland Park, New Mexico. One of the agents, driving an all-terrain vehicle, noticed an adult female, later determined to be a citizen of Mexico, who appeared to be in medical distress.
At approximately 2:02 p.m., agents requested a Border Patrol agent emergency medical technician, and advised the woman was passing out. The agents assisted the woman by providing shade, water, and placing ice packs on her torso. Border Patrol agent EMT arrived on scene at approximately 2:18 p.m., assessed the woman was unconscious, had labored breathing, and an irregular pulse. The agent EMT administered IV fluids.
Sunland Park Fire Department EMS arrived on scene at approximately 2:25 p.m., and assumed primary medical care of the woman. EMS arrived at the Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas with the woman at approximately 3:01 p.m., and she was admitted into the intensive care unit under Border Patrol hospital watch.
Medical center personnel advised Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility the woman was declared deceased by an attending physician due to anoxic encephalopathy at approximately 3:05 p.m. on August 6.
281. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 4, 2023
Incident Location: Wilcox, AZ
On August 4, 2023, at approximately 3:33 a.m., a U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Willcox, Arizona Border Patrol Station was in a marked Border Patrol transport van when he observed a 2003 maroon GMC Yukon sport utility vehicle traveling northbound on Arizona State Route 80 near mile marker 297. The agent requested records checks on the Yukon via radio from Tucson Sector Communications at approximately 3:35 a.m. Sector Communications provided a response at approximately 3:39 a.m. to the records checks request.
The agent in the transport van attempted to initiate a vehicle stop of the Yukon on interstate 10 at mile marker 302 near the intersection of I-10 and State Highway 90 at approximately 3:41 a.m., but the Yukon failed to yield to the agent’s emergency lights and siren. A Border Patrol watch commander, in a marked Border Patrol truck, was behind the agent at the time he attempted to make the vehicle stop.
The agent was traveling westbound on I-10 passing mile marker 301 at approximately 3:43 a.m. and announced over the radio that the Yukon failed to yield. The agent also requested assistance from additional agents, Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
A supervisory Border Patrol agent at the Willcox Station, acting in the role of the pursuit supervisor, announced on the radio at approximately 3:44 a.m. that the vehicles were approaching an exit and suggested the agent and watch commander back off the Yukon so it might exit the highway. The agent acknowledged the supervisory agent’s suggestion stating he would give the Yukon some space with the possibility of reengaging the vehicle farther down the highway.
The watch commander announced on the radio at approximately 3:53 a.m. that he spotted and passed the Yukon while traveling westbound on I-10 and traveled enough distance to deploy a vehicle immobilization device ahead of the Yukon. The watch commander announced on the radio he would set up the vehicle immobilization device quickly at approximately 3:58 a.m. The watch commander deployed the vehicle immobilization device on the Yukon but was unsuccessful and spiked an uninvolved vehicle. The watch commander located the uninvolved vehicle and assisted the occupants of the vehicle with repairs. There were no reported injuries to the occupants of the uninvolved vehicle. The Yukon continued westbound on I-10.
The agent reported he was following an Arizona Department of Public Safety unmarked Dodge Charger behind the Yukon at approximately 4:03 a.m. The agent announced on the radio he was exiting I-10 at mile marker 267, Valencia Road, behind the Arizona DPS Charger and the Yukon, at approximately 4:06 a.m.. The agent announced on the radio the Yukon had run several red lights on East Valencia Road and the unmarked Arizona DPS unit was behind it at approximately 4:07 a.m. The agent announced at approximately 4:09 a.m. that it appeared Arizona DPS had the Yukon stopped at the intersection of East Valencia Road and Country Club Road, in Tucson, Arizona. The agent then clarified on the radio at approximately 4:10 a.m. the Yukon had been involved in a vehicle crash and advised Arizona DPS was on scene.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility review of video cameras in the area showed the Arizona DPS Charger arrived at the crash scene approximately two minutes after the Yukon came to a stop. The agent arrived on scene approximately ten seconds after the trooper and aided the trooper in securing the crash scene and provided aid to an adult male undocumented migrant who sustained significant injuries. The trooper called for Emergency Medical Services to respond to the scene.
The driver of the Yukon fled the crash scene and was not located by the authorities. Two adult male and one adult female undocumented migrants were inside the Yukon. Tucson Fire Department and EMS arrived on scene at approximately 4:15 a.m. The Tucson Fire Department transported the three undocumented migrants to Banner University Medical Center where they were admitted. Agents were dispatched to the medical center and established hospital watch on the three apprehended undocumented migrants. One adult male, identified as a citizen of Mexico, was pronounced deceased by the hospital attending physicians at 5:02 a.m. An autopsy was performed by the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday, August 7; the autopsy report details are pending.
280. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 2, 2023
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, NM
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.
279. Unknown
Age: 53
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 25, 2023
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
On July 25, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to inspection duties at the Hidalgo Texas Port of Entry were notified by a woman that her uncle was currently en route and would be arriving in a Mexican ambulance. She advised that her uncle had suffered cardiac arrest and requested officers contact emergency medical services to dispatch an ambulance to the port of entry.
A supervisory CBP officer called Med-Care EMS at approximately 8:17 p.m. and requested an ambulance, which arrived at approximately 8:32 p.m. A 53-year-old male, later identified as a citizen of Mexico, arrived at the port of entry at approximately 8:59 p.m. as a patient in a Mexican ambulance.
Med-Care EMS personnel declined to transport the man due to his critical condition at approximately 9:05 p.m. CBP officers conducted record checks at the primary inspection area and identified the man had an active warrant for dangerous drugs and a supervisory officer escorted the Mexican ambulance to the secondary inspection area for further examination. The supervisory CBP officer confirmed the warrant and positively identified the man was the individual listed on the warrant. CBP officers were directed by a supervisor to escort the man and Mexican ambulance, under CBP custody, to the local hospital due to an active warrant for the man’s arrest.
CBP officers escorted the man and ambulance to the McAllen Medical Center at approximately 9:11 p.m. They reported arriving at the medical center at approximately 9:30 p.m., and the man was immediately admitted. Additional responding officers escorted the Mexican ambulance and its occupants back to Mexico at approximately 9:51 p.m.
On July 26, at approximately 3:30 a.m., CBP officers reported the man suffered cardiac arrest, had been revived by medical personnel, and was transferred to the intensive care unit. Officers reported the man experienced another four-to-five episodes of cardiac arrest until medical personnel pronounced the man deceased at 4:25 a.m.
278. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Ecuador
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 22, 2023
Incident Location: Dona Ana County, NM
On Saturday July 22, 2023, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Paso Mobile Response Team were conducting line watch duties and encountered four undocumented migrants. One of the agents noticed an adult female undocumented migrant, later identified as a citizen of Ecuador, was in medical distress and unresponsive, but still breathing. The agent attempted to cool the female down with water and assured her help was on the way.
The agent requested emergency medical services and provided his GPS coordinates via radio. American Medical Response and Sunland Park Fire Department - Dona Ana County EMS were requested at approximately 3:17 p.m. and advised they would be responding. Another agent arrived on scene at approximately 3:34 p.m. The two agents then placed the female in the back seat of a marked USBP vehicle and transported her to the intersection of 430 Road and Lou’s Road where Dona Ana County EMS was waiting.
The agent met with Dona Ana County EMS at approximately 3:38 p.m., and EMS began treating the female while she remained in the back seat of the USBP vehicle. According to the Dona Ana County EMS care report, the female was unconscious and unresponsive, did not respond to verbal or painful stimuli, was breathing rapidly, had white foam-like emesis from her mouth and a tympanic temperature of 107.6 F. An nasopharyngeal airway was established and oxygen was administered by mask at approximately 3:51 p.m. Vascular access was obtained, and normal saline was administered intravenously at approximately 3:53 p.m. She was also treated with ice packs and sheets soaked in water to initiate active cooling.
The woman was placed on a stretcher at approximately 3:55 p.m. and transferred to an AMR ambulance. AMR placed the woman on a cardiac monitor which showed signs of sinus tachycardia. AMR determined the woman needed further medical treatment and transported her at approximately 3:57 p.m. to The Hospitals of Providence - Transmountain Campus. AMR monitored vitals, placed six more icepacks around her body during transport and administered another bag of normal saline intravenously at approximately 4:00 p.m. A Border Patrol agent followed the ambulance to the hospital.
The woman arrived at the hospital at approximately 4:47 p.m. and was initially treated in the emergency room where she had low blood pressure and was intubated while suffering from kidney failure. The woman was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and at approximately 7:10 p.m. was admitted to the intensive care unit where she remained in critical condition. The hospital advised her blood pressure and heart rate continued to drop and she was not responding to medical treatment.
Hospital medical personnel informed a Border Patrol agent performing hospital watch duties that the woman was declared deceased by hospital attending physicians due to heat stroke, cardiac arrest, and renal failure at approximately 1:52 a.m. on July 23.
277. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Colombia
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 11, 2023
Incident Location: Three Points, AZ
On Tuesday July 11, 2023, at approximately 5:19 p.m., the Tucson Tactical Operations Center received notification of a 911 call during which the caller did not provide any information and immediately hung up. The Tactical Operations Center, in coordination with local authorities, was able to determine an approximate location of the caller and dispatched Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team.
BORSTAR agents located an adult female citizen of Colombia at approximately 6:30 p.m. in a very remote area approximately one quarter mile south of Arizona State Route 86 and mile marker 147 near Three Points, Ariz. Agents requested an air ambulance be placed on standby and for emergency medical services to respond. Agents reported the woman was conscious, lethargic, and vomiting. Agents initiated treatment for severe heat stroke.
BORSTAR agents requested the air ambulance respond to transport the woman at approximately 6:34 p.m. Agents reported via radio they were actively providing care for the woman at approximately 6:40 p.m., and it would be a few minutes before they could move her. The Three Points Fire Department arrived at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the intersection of Road 147 and SR 87, a predetermined location for BORSTAR agents to meet Three Points Fire Department due to the remote location and difficult terrain.
Agents carried the woman via a stretcher approximately 200 yards to their marked Border Patrol truck at approximately 6:52 p.m. Then, they drove approximately a quarter mile to transfer medical care of the woman to fire department medical personnel. The air ambulance arrived at the location at approximately 7:13 p.m. and subsequently transported the woman to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., where she was admitted. A Border Patrol agent was dispatched to the medical center to provide hospital watch over the woman at approximately 7:52 p.m.
The woman was admitted and assigned to a hospital room for treatment and observation on July 12 at approximately 3:15 a.m. Agents conducting hospital watch duties reported at approximately 6:38 a.m. the woman had been declared deceased by medical center attending physicians due to cardiac arrest at 6:24 a.m.
This incident is under review by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.
276. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 7, 2023
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico
On Friday, July 7, 2023, at approximately 7 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa New Mexico Border Patrol Station received notification of an individual in distress from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office which included a general area to search. Agents responded in search of the individual at approximately 7:10 p.m. to an area approximately 3.43 miles northwest of the Santa Teresa, N.M. Port of Entry.
Agents encountered an unresponsive adult male Mexican citizen suffering from a seizure at approximately 7:20 p.m. Agents requested emergency medical services via radio at approximately 7:21 p.m. Agents checked the man’s vital signs and noted the man was breathing and had a pulse; they then poured water on him to cool him down and placed him in a recovery position.
Medical personnel from the Dona Ana County Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 7:30 p.m. and began rendering aid. Additional medical personnel from American Medical Response arrived on scene at approximately 7:35 p.m. and assumed primary medical care. The man was transported at approximately 7:50 p.m. by AMR medical personnel to The Hospitals of Providence – Transmountain Campus for elevated treatment. Agents performing hospital watch duties reported the man had been admitted into the hospital at approximately 9:30 p.m. The man was transferred to the intensive care unit at the hospital at approximately 10:50 p.m. for additional treatment.
Paragon Security personnel from the El Paso Hard-Sided Facility took over hospital watch duties at approximately 12:25 a.m. on July 8 and informed Santa Teresa New Mexico Border Patrol Station the man had been declared deceased by hospital medical personnel on July 9 at 11:28 a.m.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents spoke with the charge nurse at the hospital at approximately 12:30 p.m. The nurse confirmed the man was admitted and treated by the hospital, his condition worsened and his date and time of death was July 9 at 11:28 a.m.
275. Unknown
Age: Unknown (Infant)
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: July 1, 2023
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
On Tuesday July 11, 2023, at approximately 5:19 p.m., the Tucson Tactical Operations Center received notification of a 911 call during which the caller did not provide any information and immediately hung up. The Tactical Operations Center, in coordination with local authorities, was able to determine an approximate location of the caller and dispatched Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team.
BORSTAR agents located an adult female citizen of Colombia at approximately 6:30 p.m. in a very remote area approximately one quarter mile south of Arizona State Route 86 and mile marker 147 near Three Points, Ariz. Agents requested an air ambulance be placed on standby and for emergency medical services to respond. Agents reported the woman was conscious, lethargic, and vomiting. Agents initiated treatment for severe heat stroke.
BORSTAR agents requested the air ambulance respond to transport the woman at approximately 6:34 p.m. Agents reported via radio they were actively providing care for the woman at approximately 6:40 p.m., and it would be a few minutes before they could move her. The Three Points Fire Department arrived at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the intersection of Road 147 and SR 87, a predetermined location for BORSTAR agents to meet Three Points Fire Department due to the remote location and difficult terrain.
Agents carried the woman via a stretcher approximately 200 yards to their marked Border Patrol truck at approximately 6:52 p.m. Then, they drove approximately a quarter mile to transfer medical care of the woman to fire department medical personnel. The air ambulance arrived at the location at approximately 7:13 p.m. and subsequently transported the woman to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., where she was admitted. A Border Patrol agent was dispatched to the medical center to provide hospital watch over the woman at approximately 7:52 p.m.
The woman was admitted and assigned to a hospital room for treatment and observation on July 12 at approximately 3:15 a.m. Agents conducting hospital watch duties reported at approximately 6:38 a.m. the woman had been declared deceased by medical center attending physicians due to cardiac arrest at 6:24 a.m.
This incident is under review by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.
274. Unknown
Age: Unknown (Adult)
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: July 1, 2023
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
On July 1, 2023, at approximately 4:35 p.m., a Border Patrol agent assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Eagle Pass Station was patrolling the riverbank of the Rio Grande north of the Shelby Park Boat Ramp approximately 3.5 miles north of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry when he heard sounds of people struggling in the water. The agent walked towards the sounds and observed several migrants struggling to stay afloat while attempting to swim back to Mexico. In this area, the Rio Grande is approximately 264 feet wide with a moderately steep uneven embankment and a muddy river’s edge. The area is sparsely vegetated due to the City of Eagle Pass recently having cleared out the brush.
The agent called for assistance from a boat unit at approximately 4:35 p.m. The agent was able to assist one adult female migrant onto the U.S. shore. Two Texas Department of Public Safety patrol boats arrived and were able to rescue two migrants from the river and recovered two additional unresponsive migrants at approximately 4:43 p.m. Texas DPS personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on one adult female and one infant female migrant and transferred them to Border Patrol agents on the riverbank. Agents requested emergency medical assistance at their location via radio at approximately 4:45 p.m. Shortly after the arrival of the Texas DPS boats, two Border Patrol agent Emergency Medical Technicians arrived and alternated performing CPR for both migrants, rotating in other Border Patrol agents as agents became fatigued. Agents and Texas DPS EMTs utilized an automated external defibrillator on both migrants until EMS arrived. The AEDs did not recommend a shock for either migrant.
Eagle Pass Fire Department medical personnel arrived on scene and took over care of the two unresponsive migrants at approximately 4:58 p.m. At that time, neither migrant was breathing or had a pulse. The Eagle Pass Fire Department EMS ambulance departed the scene and transported the two unresponsive migrants to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass, Texas at approximately 5:10 p.m. One Border Patrol agent EMT and one Texas DPS EMT accompanied the unresponsive migrants in the ambulance to the hospital to aid in performing CPR while one agent followed in a marked Border Patrol unit to establish hospital watch. The Eagle Pass Fire Department ambulance arrived at the medical center at approximately 5:19 p.m.
The two unresponsive migrants, later identified as an adult female citizen of Guatemala, and an infant female citizen of Guatemala, were pronounced deceased by doctors at the medical center at approximately 5:58 p.m.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility special agents conducted interviews of three adult migrants who were rescued during this incident. One adult female migrant described the river as rising higher and higher as they tried to cross. Another rescued adult female migrant described the river as chest high but rising until she lost her balance and began to float. The adult male migrant who was interviewed stated the group was floating in the river for between 10 and 20 minutes before the rescue boats arrived. None of the migrants reported having observed the decedents while they were in the river. OPR special agents confirmed there is no video of the incident and there were no buoys or other obstructions installed in this area of the river.
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.
273. Unknown
Age: 9
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: June 15, 2023
Incident Location: Mesa, Arizona
On June 15, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office patched over a 911 distress call to US Border Patrol Tucson Sector. The 911 call was from a female migrant and approximate GPS coordinates to the caller's location were provided. The female migrant advised agents she was traveling with her two minor children and stated her 9-year-old son was experiencing seizures. USBP Tucson Sector verified their location, with the GPS coordinates provided, and immediately informed the USBP Nogales Station the family unit was within their area of responsibility. Nogales agents were dispatched to locate the family unit. The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office requested Tubac Fire Department emergency medical services to respond to the location at approximately 9:41 p.m.
USBP Tucson Sector requested assistance from the National Guard Air Unit, via radio at approximately 9:55 p.m. The National Guard Air Unit located the family unit at the coordinates provided at approximately 10:01 p.m. The National Guard Air Unit provided agents with updated GPS coordinates to their location at approximately 10:02 p.m. Tubac Fire Department EMS arrived in the area at approximately 10:05 p.m. Tubac Fire Department EMS personnel, who were on foot, located the family unit at approximately 10:17 p.m. and conducted a quick trauma assessment of the child which consisted of checking for broken bones and bleeding. Tubac Fire Department EMS picked the child up and began walking him toward an ambulance along with a Border Patrol agent who had arrived on foot.
As they continued carrying the child, another agent who was operating an all-terrain vehicle located them at approximately 10:31 p.m. The agent assisted Tubac Fire Department personnel by transporting the 9-year-old to the ambulance via ATV, while a fire department EMT held the child. Approximately ten minutes later they arrived at the ambulance where fire department paramedics and EMTs began medical treatment on the child by administering intravenous fluids. Tubac Fire Department medical personnel transported him to Northwest Medical Center in Sahuarita, Ariz. at approximately 10:54 p.m., where agents established hospital watch.
The child was life flighted to Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz. on June 16, 2023 at approximately 2:45 p.m. Medical Center personnel diagnosed the child with multi-organ failure and placed him on life support while USBP maintained hospital watch. USBP completed administrative processing of the female migrant and her children at approximately 7:24 p.m. Agents advised medical center staff she and her children were no longer in USBP custody.
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility special agents interviewed the female migrant on June 16, 2023. The female migrant stated she and her sons crossed into the United States with another unknown male migrant on June 15, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m. The female migrant stated her son did not have prior existing medical issues and believed the heat contributed to his medical complications during their walk. The female migrant decided to call 911 from her cell phone at approximately 9:30 p.m., due to her son’s condition and the fact they had been without fluids for an hour and a half. After approximately 20 minutes, the female migrant saw a helicopter that shined a light on them to help find their location. The female migrant recalled the area being inaccessible to motor vehicles and recalled Border Patrol agents arriving on ATVs. The female migrant stated an agent on an ATV then transported her son to an ambulance, via ATV. The female migrant then walked, approximately 15 minutes, with her other son to a USBP transport van where they were given water and transported to Northwest Medical Center.
Banner Desert Medical Center personnel advised CBP's OPR on June 17, 2023 at approximately 5:43 p.m. that the child succumbed to his medical complications and was pronounced deceased at 8:44 p.m.
Maricopa Medical Examiner’s Office advised on June 19, 2023 an autopsy would not be performed. This incident is under review by CBP's OPR. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General was also notified.
272. Raymond Mattia
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: May 18, 2023
Incident Location: Tohono O’odham, Arizona
On May 18, at approximately 9:04 p.m., the US Border Patrol Tucson Sector Tactical Operations Center advised the Ajo Border Patrol Station that the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department was requesting assistance from Border Patrol agents to respond to a shots fired call west of the Menagers Dam Village.
The police department requested agents meet at the local recreation center prior to responding to the location. The Ajo Border Patrol Station transmitted a request over service radio for any available units to respond at approximately 9:06 p.m. Several agents responded acknowledging the request for assistance at approximately 9:07 p.m. An agent transmitted over service radio that agents were responding with the police department at approximately 9:21 p.m. Agents transmitted over service radio they had arrived at the recreation center with the police department at approximately 9:27 p.m. Agents coordinated with the police department officer at the recreation center and were provided additional information at approximately 9:31 p.m. The officer advised agents that initial reports indicated shots had been fired in the vicinity of a named individual’s residence west of their location. The officer requested agents follow him to the location at approximately 9:32 p.m. Agents followed behind the officer in their government vehicles for approximately two minutes and seventeen seconds.
The officer and agents arrived and parked their vehicles near the individual’s residence at approximately 9:35 p.m. Responding agents and the police officer spread out while searching for the man.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed video footage of the event. The officer and agents encountered an individual approximately 103 meters northwest of their parked vehicles, outside of a residence, at approximately 9:39 p.m. The individual threw an object toward the officer as they approached the structure which landed a few feet from the officer’s feet. Shortly after the individual threw the object, he abruptly extended his right arm away from his body and three agents fired their service weapons striking the individual several times. The individual fell to the ground, and the officer and agents slowly approached the man.
Agents broadcasted over service radio that shots had been fired at approximately 9:40 p.m. Agents continued to approach the individual and secured him. Agents checked for a pulse, began medically assessing the man’s condition and requested emergency medical services at approximately 9:41 p.m.
Agents began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation at approximately 9:45 p.m. after they were unable to detect a pulse from the individual. Agents requested air life medical evacuation for the man at approximately 9:46 p.m. Agents were advised there was no air life evacuation available due to inclement weather at approximately 9:48 p.m. Agents continued CPR until a Border Patrol emergency medical technician on scene telephonically contacted a physician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. An agent transmitted over the service radio that the individual had no pulse at approximately 9:52 p.m. and agents continued to administer CPR.
The physician at St. Mary’s Hospital pronounced the man deceased at 10:06 p.m. The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office assumed custody of the man’s remains pending an autopsy.
The decedent was identified as an adult male citizen of the United States. The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on May 19 and further information on the cause and manner of death will be released by that office at the conclusion of their review.
The agents involved in the incident are on administrative leave, pursuant to standard practice at this point in an investigation following a use of deadly force. All three agents who discharged their weapons and seven additional agents activated their body worn cameras during the incident. CBP is committed to expeditious release of the body worn camera footage of this incident as soon as is appropriate to do so without impacting the ongoing law enforcement investigation, in line with the May 25th, 2022, Executive Order on Advancing Effective Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is under review by CBP’s OPR. This incident will be reviewed by CBP’s National Use of Force Review Board at the conclusion of the investigation. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
On June 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP, Border Patrol’s parent agency) released edited body-worn camera footage depicting Raymond Mattia’s death. (The video contains heavy profanity and graphic violence.) CBP provides the following details: The Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department, which had one officer on duty in the area, requested Border Patrol assistance at approximately 9 p.m. on May 18 to a shots-fired call west of the Menagers Dam Village. Agents from the Ajo Border Patrol Station met with the police officer and followed him to the location on Tohono O’odham Nation where the shots had been reported. The police officer and agents encountered an individual outside of a residence who threw an object toward the officers and abruptly extended his right arm away from his body. Three agents fired their service weapons, striking the individual several times.
271. Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez
Age: 8
Nationality: Panama
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: May 17, 2023
Incident Location: Harlingen, Texas
On May 9, 2023, at approximately 9:34 PM, a family group consisting of two parents (an adult female mother and adult male father) and three children (aged 8, 13, and 14) were taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody as part of a larger group of 47 non-citizens approximately eight tenths of a mile southeast of the Gateway International Port of Entry in Brownsville, TX. All members of the family group were Honduran citizens except the eight-year-old daughter who was a citizen of Panama. Records indicate that shortly after being taken into custody, the entire group was moved approximately four tenths of a mile east to the CBP-operated Camp Monument Staging Area where they awaited transportation to the Donna Processing Facility (DPF) in Donna, TX. The family of 5 was manifested for transport to the DPF at 9:50 PM, on May 9, 2023, and eventually transported there by bus in the early morning hours of May 10, 2023.
Review of video by CBP OPR personnel revealed the family of five arrived at the DPF at approximately 7:50 AM on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, and moved through various stages of intake and in-processing over the next four hours. At approximately 12:20 PM, the family entered the medical screening area and can be seen interacting with CBP-contracted medical personnel. At one point on the video footage, the mother can be seen handing several papers to the medical provider. CBP records indicate the eight-year-old was medically assessed at this time, did not complain of any acute illnesses or injuries, but the family did report a medical history including the chronic conditions of sickle cell anemia and heart disease. After completing the medical assessment, the female members of the family, specifically the mother, the fourteen-year-old adolescent, and the eight-year-old girl were escorted to their housing pod.
Further review of DPF video by CBP OPR revealed that on May 14, 2023, at approximately 4:11 PM, the mother and eight-year-old girl were escorted from their housing pod to the DPF medical unit where she can be seen entering a treatment area at 4:45 PM. CBP records indicate the eight-year-old girl had voiced complaints of abdominal pain, nasal congestion, and cough. Contract medical staff recorded a tympanic temperature of 101.8 degrees Fahrenheit, after which a point of care influenza test was administered which yielded a positive result for Influenza A and a negative result for Influenza B. Medical personnel provided the girl with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescribed and administered doses of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), as well as Ondonsetron (Zofran). During this medical encounter, CBP contracted medical personnel documented a past medical history including cardiomyopathy (noting the girl had undergone heart surgery at the age of 5), about which the family reported that she has been stable since the operation, but still requires the continued care of a cardiologist. Based on agency protocols, a decision was made to transfer the entire family to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Harlingen, TX (HRL), which has been designated for cases requiring medical isolation for individuals diagnosed with or closely exposed to communicable diseases.
Further review of DPF video by CBP OPR revealed that the entire family was reunited in the DPF out-processing area at approximately 5:09 PM and that they departed for the Harlingen Border Patrol Station (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas in a van approximately one hour later, arriving there at approximately 7:13 PM on May 14, 2023. CBP records indicate the eight-year-old girl was medically assessed by CBP-contracted medical personnel immediately upon her arrival at HRL.
CBP records indicate the eight-year-old girl continued to be administered Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) twice daily as directed on Monday, May 15, 2023, and Tuesday, May 16, 2023. CBP records also indicate the girl was administered ibuprofen at 7:45 PM on Wednesday, May 16, 2023, and again at 4:35 AM on May 17, 2023.
At this time, CBP can confirm that medical records documented that the eight-year-old girl and her mother came to the HRL medical unit at least three times on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. During the first visit, records indicate that the child complained of vomiting and was administered Ondansetron (Zofran) and instructed to hydrate and return if needed. During the second visit, the child complained of a stomachache. CBP contracted medical personnel annotated that she was stable and instructed the mother to follow-up if needed. CBP records indicate that a third visit took place at approximately 1:55 PM, during which the mother was carrying the girl who appeared to be having a seizure, after which records indicate the child became unresponsive. CBP-contracted medical personnel subsequently began to administer CPR and summoned emergency medical services.
At approximately 2:07 PM, South Texas Emergency Care (STEC) emergency medical services arrived at HRL and took over lifesaving. The girl and her mother were transported to the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, TX, where the girl was declared deceased by medical personnel at that facility at 2:50 PM.
An autopsy was performed on the child’s remains by the Cameron County Forensic Pathologist on the morning of Friday, May 19, 2023. Initial findings from the autopsy, which were shared with CBP OPR, indicated an absence of gross physical trauma, the presence of pleural effusions within the chest cavity, mentioned evidence that had been observed of the attempted surgical repair of the girl’s aortic stenosis, and also referenced the provided history of sickle cell anemia. Additional details regarding the cause and manner of death will be released by the medical examiner upon the completion of additional forensic medical laboratory tests, to include toxicological and pathological assays on recovered bodily fluids and tissue samples.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/update-death-custody-8-year-old-harlingen-texas
On June 1, CBP’s Office of Responsiblity (OPR) released an update on their investigation. They state that because the closed-circuit television recording system at Harlingen Station was not functioning during the time the family was in custody and only three medical encounters were documented, this update is based largely on interviews of Border Patrol agents and contracted medical personnel who interacted with the family while they were in custody.
Between the time the family arrived at Harlingen Station on the evening of May 14 and the early morning hours of May 17, CBP contracted medical personnel reported having approximately nine encounters with the girl and her mother, who complained of fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain. CBP contracted medical personnel continued to administer Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to the girl as prescribed and treated her fever (which peaked at 104.9 degrees during the early morning hours of May 16) with a combination of ice packs, antipyretic (fever reducing) medications, and a cold shower. Despite the girl’s condition, her mother’s concerns, and the series of treatments required to manage her condition, contracted medical personnel did not transfer her to a hospital for higher-level care.
During the day on May 17, the girl was seen by a nurse practitioner on four occasions after complaining of a stomachache, nausea, and difficulty breathing. The contracted nurse practitioner reported checking the girl’s heart rate and blood oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter during each visit with normal findings, and administering Ondansetron (Zofran) for nausea at 9:33 a.m. The nurse practitioner also reported denying three or four requests from the girl’s mother for an ambulance to be called or for her to be taken to the hospital. Another contracted medical employee reported having brought a pile of documents and a bottle of folic acid tablets from the family’s property to the nurse practitioner at approximately 10:30 a.m. The nurse practitioner declined to review the papers but did agree to the mother’s request to administer one folic acid tablet to her daughter.
At approximately 1:55 p.m., shortly after their fourth visit with the nurse practitioner, the mother returned to the health unit with the girl in her arms. The girl appeared to be having a seizure.
Shortly thereafter, the child became unresponsive and medical personnel requested emergency medical services and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation aided by an automated external defibrillator, which did not recommend any defibrillation. At approximately 2:07 p.m., South Texas Emergency Care emergency medical services arrived at Harlingen Station and took over lifesaving efforts. The girl and her mother were transported separately to the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, where the girl was declared deceased by medical personnel at that facility at 2:50 p.m. The last two medical encounters were documented by the nurse practitioner after the girl departed Harlingen Station for the hospital.
OPR’s review to date has determined that none of the CBP contracted medical personnel or U.S. Border Patrol personnel at Harlingen Station who interacted with the girl, or her mother, acknowledged being aware she suffered from sickle cell anemia or had a history of congenital heart disease. Contracted medical personnel did not consult with on-call physicians (including an on-call pediatrician) about the girl’s condition, symptoms, or treatment. The contracted medical personnel failed to document numerous medical encounters, emergency antipyretic interventions, and administrations of medicine. A review of CBP records revealed the camera system at Harlingen Station was flagged for repair/replacement on April 13. The outage was not reported to CBP OPR as required by H.R. 1158, Fiscal Year 2020 DHS Consolidated Appropriation. Closed circuit television recording capabilities were restored at Harlingen Station on May 23.
270. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: May 7, 2023
Incident Location: Carrizo Springs, Texas
On May 7, 2023, at approximately 12:21 a.m., Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Border Intelligence Center personnel received a 911 emergency call forwarded by the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office. The call was from a man who stated he was traveling with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. The man stated they were lost and in distress. The approximate location of the caller was shared with the Carrizo Springs Border Patrol Station management. Carrizo Springs Station management immediately dispatched Border Patrol agents to attempt to locate the three individuals and also advised Dimmit County Emergency Medical Services of the situation and requested they remain on standby.
A Border Patrol agent located the three lost individuals at approximately 12:55 a.m. The agent noticed one of the individuals, later identified as a citizen of Mexico, had rapid breathing and was unable to communicate. The agent immediately requested Emergency Medical Services and placed the man in the recovery position to cool him down. EMS personnel arrived at approximately 1:30 a.m. and began medical treatment by administering IV fluids and oxygen to the man. EMS then requested an air evacuation unit but were told none were available. EMS placed him on a stretcher, loaded him into the ambulance, and transported him to the Dimmit Regional Hospital at approximately 1:40 a.m
They arrived at the hospital at approximately 2:11 a.m. and the man was treated for respiratory distress and was monitored under hospital watch by a Border Patrol agent. Hospital personnel performed multiple life saving measures during the following 2 hours, but were unsuccessful. The man was declared deceased by hospital medical personnel at approximately 4:20 a.m., and his body was transported to the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office pending an autopsy.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) special agents interviewed the Border Patrol agents who responded to the call. Both agents stated throughout the incident that the man in medical distress had rapid breathing and was unable to communicate. The agents stated they attempted to cool him down by providing water, fanning him, and waited for approximately 30 minutes until EMS personnel arrived.
CBP’s OPR special agents interviewed the two undocumented noncitizens who were traveling with the man in medical distress. Both identified themselves as citizens of Mexico and said they were the man’s sons-in-laws. Both stated they all had walked through the brush for three days and did not have enough water for the type of walking and high temperatures they endured. The men told special agents they ran out of water the day prior and after approximately 3 to 4 hours, their father-in-law began to panic. As the group rested, their father-in-law laid down and began breathing rapidly. Approximately three to four hours later, the men could not wake him up and decided to make a 911 emergency call. The men stated that Border Patrol arrived approximately 20 minutes later and instantly attempted to cool down their father-in-law with water.
269. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: April 26, 2023
Incident Location: Progresso Port of Entry, Texas
On April 26, 2023, at approximately 3:12 p.m., a male traveler, later identified as a U.S. citizen, applied for entry into the United States via the pedestrian lanes at the Progresso Port of Entry and was inspected by a Customs and Border Protection Officer. The man was referred to secondary inspection by the officer due to a computer-generated referral; he collapsed to the floor while walking to secondary inspection. Responding officers assessed the man, determined he did not have a pulse and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administered Narcan and used an automated external defibrillator. Officers then requested that emergency medical services be dispatched to the port of entry. EMS arrived and transported the man to the Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas, at approximately 3:32 p.m.
The man was declared deceased by Knapp Medical Center personnel at approximately 4:15 p.m. An autopsy is pending with the Hidalgo County Medical Examiner and Coroner.
268. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: April 7, 2023
Incident Location: Yuma, Arizona
On April 3, 2023, at approximately 3:37 p.m., a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Yuma Station patrolling the International Border Fence observed footprints leading north from the border fence. The agent followed the prints approximately 100 yards to an area located near Avenue 1E, approximately 4.5 miles southeast of the Highway 195 and South Avenue B intersection, near San Luis, Ariz. The agent then observed a male subject lying under a bush. The agent gave the man commands to stand up; the man complied but requested assistance to stand. At this point the man was awake and coherent with no visible physical injuries apparent. The agent took the man, a Mexican national, into custody and escorted him to a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle. The man complained to the agent that he did not feel well once inside the vehicle and requested medical assistance. At this point the man began to lose consciousness.
The agent requested via radio, at 3:41 p.m., for San Luis Emergency Medical Services to be dispatched and transported the man to the intersection of South Avenue B and Highway 195 to meet the ambulance. EMS arrived at 3:51 p.m. and transported the man to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for further treatment, arriving at 4:14 p.m. The agent followed the ambulance to the hospital and established a hospital watch. Medical staff at the hospital reported cocaine in the man’s system.
Yuma Regional Medical Center medical staff declared the man brain dead at approximately 1:33 p.m. on April 4. Prosecutorial discretion was exercised and the man was released from U.S. Border Patrol custody on April 5. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility received information on April 19 from the Yuma County Medical Examiner’s Office stating the man was pronounced deceased at 2:28 p.m. on April 7.
267. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: April 2, 2023
Incident Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
On April 2, 2023, at approximately 8:37 p.m., a Border Patrol agent observed a white Nissan Rogue sports utility vehicle circumvent a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint located on Interstate 10, approximately 23 miles west of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and began to follow. The agent activated his emergency equipment to conduct a vehicle stop at approximately 8:39 p.m. A second agent responded to assist. The driver of the SUV failed to yield and continued traveling west on I-10 at approximately 40 miles per hour, before exiting onto the I-10 frontage road at mile marker 116. The driver of the SUV turned off of the frontage road at approximately 8:44 p.m. and headed west onto County Road C001, where a third agent responded to assist.
After traveling approximately 7.6 miles west on C001, the driver of the SUV approached a closed vehicle gate near a residence on the Burris Ranch at approximately 9:01 p.m. The driver of the SUV turned his vehicle around and stopped the SUV facing east toward I-10 on C001. Agents exited their vehicles and approached the SUV positioning themselves at the driver side, rear driver side, and front passenger side windows with their weapons drawn. Agents ordered the driver to show his hands and exit the vehicle, but he did not comply. Agents attempted to open the driver side door by pulling the handle but were unsuccessful. An agent then struck the driver side window with his collapsible straight baton; however, the window did not break. At that point, the driver of the SUV drove away from agents and travelled east on C001. Agents requested assistance from additional personnel via radio and the deployment of a vehicle immobilization device.
Responding agents successfully deployed an immobilization device on the SUV approximately 0.4 miles west of the intersection of C001 and the I-10 frontage road at approximately 9:18 p.m. Three of the SUV’s tires came into contact with the device. The driver of the SUV continued eastbound on the I-10 frontage road at approximately 22 mph and traveled approximately 1.7 miles east, before turning north onto County Road C003.
After traveling approximately 1.4 miles north on C003, the driver of the SUV stopped and exited the vehicle on foot at approximately 9:26 p.m.
The driver of the SUV drove for a total of approximately 22.7 miles and for a duration of approximately 49 minutes between the time he circumvented the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint and ultimately exiting his vehicle and walking north on C003, an unpaved road.
Three U.S. Border Patrol agents, wearing body worn cameras, began capturing video footage at approximately 9:26 p.m., which was reviewed by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The video showed the driver of the SUV moving north on foot on C003, away from the three agents, as they repeatedly ordered him to stop. The driver was holding a shirt in one hand and a wooden club in the other.
The driver was approached by several agents at gunpoint approximately 15-20 seconds after he began walking north on C003. The driver then swung the club three times in close proximity to one of the agents, who holstered his weapon and moved backwards to create distance. The driver once again began to walk away from the agents who repeatedly instructed him to stop and to drop the club. The driver once again swung the club three times at an approaching agent approximately six seconds later. An agent attempted to deploy an electronic control weapon twice over the next minute after instructing the driver to stop and drop the club. The driver appeared to prevent the taser from successfully deploying on both occasions by blocking the prongs with a shirt he was holding.
The driver continued to walk away from the agents, who continued to follow and order him to stop and drop the club, over the next three minutes. As the driver continued to walk along a fence line parallel to C003, another agent arrived in a marked unit and approached the driver with his extended baton in hand. This agent ordered the driver to stop and put the wooden club down. The driver swung his club as the agent approached, making contact with the agent’s baton, and swung his club a second time but did not strike the agent as the agent fell backward. The driver continued advancing toward the agent, who was now on the ground, swung the wooden club a third time and struck the agent. The driver struck the agent a second time as he stood over him and was preparing to do so again when three other agents fired their service weapons, striking the driver. The agents fired approximately 16 rounds.
The driver fell to the ground a few feet from where the agent had fallen on his back. Agents then approached the driver, removed the wooden club from his hands, secured him and then placed him into a recovery position. An agent who was trained as an emergency medical technician checked the driver for a pulse while other agents requested an ambulance along with medical assistance from emergency medical services. Agents did not observe any movement or signs of life from the driver of the SUV, who has since been identified as an adult male citizen of the United States.
The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office and EMS personnel arrived on scene at approximately 10:08 p.m. The sheriff’s deputies secured the perimeter of the scene until CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility arrived. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified and arrived on scene. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator arrived on scene at approximately 4:40 a.m. on April 3, and declared the male driver deceased at 5:16 a.m.
Approximately four minutes and 20 seconds elapsed between the time the driver began walking north on C003 after exiting his vehicle and when shots were fired. The driver, and the agents following him during that time, traveled approximately 0.2 miles.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator conducted an autopsy on the male driver on April 4. Further information on the cause and manner of death will be released by that office at the conclusion of their review.
266. Unknown
Age: U.S.
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: March 23rd, 2023
Incident Location: Rodeo, New Mexico
On March 23 that Border Patrol agents were involved in a pursuit that ended in a crash with a death and multiple injuries near Rodeo, New Mexico. A spokesperson declined to give further details, citing an ongoing investigation into the crash by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the New Mexico State Police.
State police say their investigation is ongoing, but initial findings show that Border Patrol used "tire deflation devices" to stop the vehicle agents were pursuing on Highway 80. It crashed a few miles away while trying to enter the interstate and hit a New Mexico Department of Transportation vehicle exiting the interstate head on.
The driver of the suspect vehicle died at the scene. Four passengers in his vehicle were hospitalized with injuries, along with the driver and passengers from the Department of Transportation vehicle, according to state police.
265. Noe Mejia
Age: 38
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: March 14th, 2023
Incident Location: Sasabe, Arizona
On March 14, 2023, at approximately 6:18 p.m. a U.S. Border Patrol remote camera operator observed multiple suspected undocumented migrants load into a BMW sedan, approximately one mile north of the Port of Entry at Sasabe, Ariz. The camera operator transmitted the information to Border Patrol agents in the area via radio.
Two agents who were parked in separate marked Border Patrol vehicles near mile marker 12 on State Route 286 observed a BMW pass their location driving northbound and began to follow. The driver of the BMW was reportedly driving in an erratic manner turning the vehicle’s turn signals on and off and speeding up and slowing down.
The agents activated their emergency equipment to conduct a vehicle stop at 6:34 p.m. The BMW failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The BMW turned westbound Near mile marker 20 on SR 286 onto Brown Bear Canyon Road, and the agents continued to pursue the vehicle. The driver of the BMW turned the vehicle to the south 3.8 miles west of SR 286 at approximately 6:41p.m., while attempting to turn around.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed incident driven video recording system footage related to the incident captured by body worn camera. The footage showed the first Border Patrol agent who arrived positioned his Border Patrol vehicle behind the BMW, exited his vehicle, and approached the driver’s side of the BMW. The agent used his collapsible straight baton to break the rear and front driver’s side windows of the BMW. The agent reached into the vehicle as the vehicle moved in reverse. The driver of the BMW continued to move the vehicle backwards as the agent attempted to hold the driver’s left arm. The vehicle stopped and the driver changed gears and started turning the steering wheel with his right hand while the agent was holding him by his left forearm, which was outside and below the driver’s side window. The agent drew his handgun and fired one time striking the driver of the BMW.
Border Patrol agents secured the six occupants of the vehicle which included one U.S. citizen who was sitting in the front seat and exited the vehicle immediately before the shooting, two undocumented migrants in the back seat, and three additional undocumented migrants in the trunk. Both agents, who were trained as emergency medical technicians, rendered aid to the driver of the vehicle by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was declared deceased on the scene by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/use-force-incident-leaves-one-man-dead-following-pursuit-suspected
- https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/border-issues/2023/05/16/fatal-border-patrol-shooting-in-arizona-ruled-a-homicide-by-medical-examiner/70223485007/
264. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 25th, 2023
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
The incident happened on Saturday morning at around 3 a.m. after a driver refused to stop and sent Border Patrol agents on a chase in Rio Bravo while carrying seven people inside the vehicle at the time.
The chase ended with the car crashing into a utility pole killing two people and injuring five others. Rio Bravo Fire Chief confirmed a man trapped inside the car died at the scene and another man died on the way to the hospital that day.
The driver was identified as a El Cenizo resident, Jose Guadalupe Guzman, 20, along with a 32-year-old Guatemalan National.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar confirms two other men have died due to the injuries sustained during the crash.
263. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 25th, 2023
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
The incident happened on Saturday morning at around 3 a.m. after a driver refused to stop and sent Border Patrol agents on a chase in Rio Bravo while carrying seven people inside the vehicle at the time.
The chase ended with the car crashing into a utility pole killing two people and injuring five others. Rio Bravo Fire Chief confirmed a man trapped inside the car died at the scene and another man died on the way to the hospital that day.
The driver was identified as a El Cenizo resident, Jose Guadalupe Guzman, 20, along with a 32-year-old Guatemalan National.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar confirms two other men have died due to the injuries sustained during the crash.
262. Unknown
Age: 32
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 25th, 2023
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
The incident happened on Saturday morning at around 3 a.m. after a driver refused to stop and sent Border Patrol agents on a chase in Rio Bravo while carrying seven people inside the vehicle at the time.
The chase ended with the car crashing into a utility pole killing two people and injuring five others. Rio Bravo Fire Chief confirmed a man trapped inside the car died at the scene and another man died on the way to the hospital that day.
The driver was identified as a El Cenizo resident, Jose Guadalupe Guzman, 20, along with a 32-year-old Guatemalan National.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar confirms two other men have died due to the injuries sustained during the crash.
261. Jose Guadalupe Guzman
Age: 20
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 25th, 2023
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
The incident happened on Saturday morning at around 3 a.m. after a driver refused to stop and sent Border Patrol agents on a chase in Rio Bravo while carrying seven people inside the vehicle at the time.
The chase ended with the car crashing into a utility pole killing two people and injuring five others. Rio Bravo Fire Chief confirmed a man trapped inside the car died at the scene and another man died on the way to the hospital that day.
The driver was identified as a El Cenizo resident, Jose Guadalupe Guzman, 20, along with a 32-year-old Guatemalan National.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar confirms two other men have died due to the injuries sustained during the crash.
260. Jose Leos Cervantes
Age: 45
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: February 19th, 2023
Incident Location: Vermont
On February 19, at approximately 11 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol personnel operating a remote camera detected a group of three individuals suspected of illegally entering the United States from Canada into Vermont. Border Patrol radio communication personnel transmitted information about the individuals to Border Patrol agents and, at approximately 11:15 p.m., patrolling agents responded to the area approximately 1.9 miles southeast of the Derby Line, Vermont Port of Entry, to apprehend the group.
Two of the individuals fled on foot northbound towards the Canadian border as Border Patrol agents approached the group. Agents noticed the third person was propping himself against a tree. An agent observed this man groan loudly and collapse to the ground in medical distress a short time later.
The Border Patrol agents requested emergency medical services via radio and performed chest compressions on the man until emergency medical services arrived. A local ambulance crew arrived at approximately 11:40 p.m., took over primary care, and attached an automated external defibrillator to the man’s chest. The ambulance transported the man to a local hospital in Newport where the man, later identified as a citizen of Mexico, was pronounced deceased by a doctor at 12:34 a.m.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/man-collapses-medical-distress-after-illegally-crossing-border
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/man-dies-canada-u-s-border-patrol-agents-1.6762576
259. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 11th, 2023
Incident Location: Douglas, Arizona
On February 11, 2023, at approximately 5 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Willcox Station observed a red 2003 Toyota Corolla depart the Highway 191 Checkpoint, located approximately 29 miles north of Douglas, Arizona, without being inspected. A Douglas Station agent, also working at the checkpoint, activated the emergency equipment on his marked Border Patrol unit and initiated a pursuit of the Corolla. Based on the radio traffic, the pursuit was ordered terminated by a Douglas Station supervisor after two minutes and 24 seconds due to the high rate of speed. The Corolla continued northbound on highway 191 toward Interstate 10.
A Willcox Station Border Patrol agent assisting Arizona Department of Public Safety with a smuggling related traffic scene near mile marker 311 on I-10, notified Arizona DPS of the failure to yield and the possibility the vehicle was headed in their direction. The agent left this scene and drove eastbound on I-10 to try and locate the Corolla.
The Border Patrol agent observed a red Corolla pass his location in the westbound lanes of I-10 followed by a Cochise County Sheriff’s Office vehicle at approximately 5:30 p.m. The agent turned around in the median but was unable to immediately gain entry onto I-10 due to traffic. The agent observed the Sheriff’s Office vehicle activate its emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop of the Corolla. The Corolla accelerated and began driving away from the Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The agent gained access to I-10 and drove approximately one-half mile behind the Sheriff’s Office vehicle with emergency lights activated. Arizona DPS troopers, stationed near the traffic stop at mile marker 311, deployed a vehicle immobilization device to stop the Corolla. The Corolla attempted to evade the immobilization device and struck the rear trailer of a semi-truck. The collision caused the Corolla to spin and strike the rear compartment area of the semi-truck.
Sheriff’s Office deputies and Arizona DPS troopers located four undocumented migrants, in varying degrees of physical distress due to the collision, inside the passenger compartment and trunk of the Corolla. An emergency medical service Life Flight was requested and flew three of the undocumented migrants to Banner Main Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. for emergency care while the fourth undocumented migrant was transported to Benson Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The driver of the Corolla was identified as a United States citizen and arrested by the Sheriff’s Office. Border Patrol agents responded to both hospitals and established a hospital watch on the injured undocumented migrants.
One of the injured undocumented migrants transported to Banner Main Hospital, a citizen of Mexico, suffered severe trauma and was unresponsive. The undocumented migrant remained hospitalized after U.S. Customs and Border Protection processed and released the migrant from CBP custody on February 15. Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office notified CBP personnel the undocumented migrant died on February 24 while being treated at Banner Main Hospital.
258. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: El Salvador
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: February 6th, 2023
Incident Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
On February 6, 2023, at approximately 12:05 a.m., a black GMC Yukon SUV approached the U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint located near mile marker 26 on State Highway 185, approximately 23 miles northwest of Las Cruces, N.M. The vehicle stopped at the primary inspection point and a Border Patrol agent approached the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the agent noticed multiple people laying on the floorboard of the vehicle. The agent suspected the individuals laying on the floorboard of the vehicle might be undocumented migrants.
The agent retrieved a vehicle immobilization device which he had earlier placed on a jersey barrier. As the agent reapproached the vehicle with the immobilization device, the driver of the vehicle accelerated and quickly drove away from the inspection area, before the immigration inspection was completed. As the vehicle was leaving the primary inspection point, the agent placed the vehicle immobilization device in front of the driver’s side rear tire, and the tire rolled over the left device.
The Border Patrol agent motioned to another agent, who was staged in a vehicle at the checkpoint, indicating to the staged agent that the SUV fled from the checkpoint during the inspection. The staged agent left the checkpoint in an attempt to catch up to the SUV. In addition, a second agent ran to a nearby Border Patrol vehicle and also drove northbound to attempt to catch up to the vehicle.
Approximately .55 miles north of the checkpoint, the agents encountered a large cloud of dust that covered both sides of the road, and determined the SUV drove off-road but could not see the vehicle. The agents continued north on the highway in search of the vehicle. One of the agents then turned back south toward the area where the cloud of dust was located and found the SUV, which had been involved in a single vehicle rollover. Agents notified El Paso Sector Communications and requested emergency medical services to respond to the scene of the collision. Agents located occupants from the vehicle and rendered aid.
American Medical Response responded to the scene at 12:26 a.m. and transported three injured migrants to Mountain View Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM. Another migrant was transported to the medical center by a Border Patrol agent, in a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle and an additional migrant was transported in a Native Air Ambulance helicopter to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. A sixth migrant, later identified as a female citizen of El Salvador, was declared deceased at the scene by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator personnel.
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility special agents responded to the scene along with Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office deputies and New Mexico State Police. The scene of the collision was approximately 962 yards north of the Highway 185 checkpoint. An examination of the scene revealed that the SUV left approximately 269 feet of tire marks prior to leaving the roadway. The vehicle then flipped and rolled approximately 118 feet and came to rest east of Highway 185.
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility special agents interviewed four of the migrants involved in the incident. One of the migrants stated that he was hiding on the floorboard of the vehicle, when the driver stopped at the checkpoint. The migrant stated the driver stopped for approximately five seconds before leaving the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. The migrant stated he looked at the speedometer and watched it accelerate from 60-80 miles per hour. The migrant stated he remembered seeing flashing lights just before the vehicle rolled over. Each of the other migrants interviewed stated the driver of the SUV left the checkpoint at a high rate of speed; however, none of the other migrants recalled seeing any emergency lights prior to the vehicle rolling over.
Special agents interviewed the agent who was working the primary inspection area at the time of the incident. The agent stated that prior to the SUV’s arrival to the primary inspection point he placed the vehicle immobilization device on the jersey barrier, close to the primary inspection point, because they have had a frequent occurrence of vehicles fleeing from the checkpoint. When he saw the people on the floorboard of the vehicle, he felt the driver of the vehicle might try to flee the checkpoint. The driver accelerated as he turned to retrieve the device and the agent placed the device in front of the rear tire as it left the primary inspection area. The agent stated he could hear air leaving the tire as the vehicle left the checkpoint.
Special agents interviewed the agents who followed northbound in Border Patrol vehicles after the SUV fled the checkpoint. Each of the agents stated they followed north to search for the vehicle once they were alerted that the SUV fled the checkpoint. Once they came upon a giant dust cloud they continued to search for the vehicle northbound on Highway 185. One of the agents then turned southbound on 185 and found the SUV in the area of the dust cloud.
Special agents reviewed radio communications related to the incident. An analysis of the radio communications revealed a 20 second lapse between the time a Border Patrol agent broadcasted that a vehicle fled the checkpoint and acknowledged the use of the vehicle immobilization device and the time the agent searching for the SUV came upon the dust cloud.
Special agents reviewed video footage captured from the Highway 185 checkpoint. The video captured the interaction between the agent and the driver of the SUV. The video captured the SUV stopping at the primary inspection area for approximately eight seconds before accelerating away from the checkpoint. A second camera at the checkpoint reveals the agents left the checkpoint approximately 16 seconds after the SUV fled the checkpoint.
257. Martin Peraza-Perez
Age: 34
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: January 13th, 2023
Incident Location: Arizona
On January 13, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Border Patrol Station apprehended seven undocumented migrants approximately 39 miles northwest of the Lukeville, Arizona, Port of Entry. One of the migrants, later identified as a male citizen of Mexico, sustained an injury to his left ankle while attempting to elude apprehension. Agents contacted Tucson Sector radio communications and requested medical assistance for the injured migrant via radio at 11:08 a.m. A Border Patrol agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician was transported on a Customs and Border Protection helicopter to the remote location to treat the man. The agent EMT arrived at the area at approximately 12:05 p.m. and evaluated the man.
After the medical evaluation, the Border Patrol agents then escorted the group to U.S. Border Patrol vehicles to transport them to a CBP facility for processing. Prior to transporting the group to a CBP facility, the agent EMT reportedly conducted a second medical evaluation of the man between 12:45 and 1:00 p.m. and observed increased bruising and slight swelling on the man’s foot. The group was transported to a forward operating base located 23 miles northwest from the Lukeville Port of Entry. The injured migrant was transported in the back seat of a U.S. Border Patrol four-door pickup driven by an agent and accompanied by the agent EMT. Other members of the group were reportedly transported in a Border Patrol transport van. The agents and migrant group reportedly arrived at the forward operating base at approximately 1:50 p.m., according to the agent EMT’s patient care report.
The agents fingerprinted the migrant group at the forward operating base for identification purposes. The agents then transported the group to Ajo Border Patrol Station in Why, Ariz. The agents and migrants reportedly departed the forward operating base at approximately 2:00 p.m. Again, the injured migrant was transported in the back seat of a Border Patrol four-door pickup driven by an agent and accompanied by the agent EMT and the other members of the group were transported in a Border Patrol transport van. The agents transported the migrants over rough terrain and mountain roads and arrived at the Ajo Border Patrol Station at approximately 3:14 p.m.
The man was evaluated by a CBP-contracted medical personnel at 3:18 p.m. at the Ajo Border Patrol Station. The man complained of left lateral ankle pain extending up his leg to his pelvis. The CBP-contracted physician observed swelling, but no deformities were obvious. The physician recommended the man be transported to the emergency room for x-rays and further evaluation. The man initially stated he did not want any additional medical treatment and signed a patient medical refusal form and reportedly stated he wanted to return to Mexico instead. Later, the man reportedly changed his mind and requested additional medical care.
An agent transported the injured migrant in a wheelchair to an interview room to wait while preparations were made to transport the man to the hospital. The man reportedly told that agent at 4:01 p.m., while waiting in the interview room, that he felt like vomiting and asked the agent to retrieve a trashcan. The agent handed him a trashcan, and he reportedly stuck his finger in his mouth to induce vomiting. However, the man was unsuccessful and told the agent that he was okay.
A while later, the agents handcuffed the man with his hands in front and placed him in the rear passenger seat/prisoner compartment of a U.S. Border Patrol four-door pickup truck to transport him to the Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Medical Center in Buckeye, Ariz. Reportedly no other restraints were applied. The Ajo Border Patrol Station's surveillance cameras captured the Border Patrol pickup truck transporting the man, leaving the Ajo Border Patrol Station at 4:21 p.m.
During the trip, the man reportedly became agitated and began to kick the interior of the USBP vehicle. Additionally, the man questioned the transporting agent whether he had any backup during the transport. The agent decided to stop for assistance from other agents at the Arizona State Route 85 immigration checkpoint. The checkpoint is located in a remote area between Ajo, Ariz. and Gila Bend, Ariz. and approximately 35 miles north of the Ajo Station.
The agent arrived at the SR 85 immigration checkpoint at approximately 4:58 p.m. and was assisted by another agent and a supervisory agent, who both reportedly observed the man acting in a combative and agitated manner while sitting in the back seat. The man was holding his t-shirt in his hands with his hands in front of him and appeared to be sweating. The agent and supervisory agent offered the man water while trying to calm him down. The agent and supervisory agent suspected the man’s behavior may be related to the ingestion of drugs. The agent placed a phone call to a supervisory agent at the Ajo Border Patrol Station and suggested that Emergency Medical Services be dispatched.
After a brief period of time, the supervisory agent at the SR 85 checkpoint decided to call 911 on his cell phone; however, due to the cellular signal in the area the supervisory agent reportedly had difficulties completing the call. The supervisory agent spoke with a 911 operator at approximately 5:14 p.m. At that point, the man was calm and the supervisory agent told the 911 operator that there was no longer a need to send EMS, which was located approximately 20 miles away. The man reportedly told the supervisory agent, “I’m okay.” The supervisory agent instructed an agent assigned to the immigration checkpoint to accompany the transporting agent for the remainder of the trip, for safety due to the man’s behavior. The two agents departed the SR 85 immigration checkpoint at approximately 5:21 p.m.
The agents arrived at the Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center, located approximately 59 miles from the SR 85 immigration checkpoint at approximately 6:25 p.m. The agents indicated the man was calm and quiet for the trip from the SR85 immigration checkpoint and believed he was sleeping. Due to the number of people in the emergency room and a concern that the man might become violent when awakened, the agents coordinated with emergency room staff to have the man taken into the emergency room via the ambulance entrance.
Upon arrival at the ambulance entrance, one of the agents attempted to wake the man to no avail. Emergency room medical staff were called to the Border Patrol vehicle and were unable to locate a pulse. The man was moved to a gurney by medical staff, with assistance from the agents, and the man was transported into the emergency room. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man was pronounced deceased by medical staff at 6:38 p.m.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on January 15, 2023. The final cause and manner of death are pending further investigation including toxicology testing.
CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed incident driven video recording system footage captured by a body worn camera of one the agents who transported the man to the hospital. The footage captured Abrazo medical personnel and agents removing the unresponsive man from the Border Patrol vehicle, placing him on a stretcher and moving him into the emergency room. OPR special agents noted what appeared to be signs of postmortem change indicating the individual may have been deceased prior to arriving at the hospital.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/man-apprehended-remote-arizona-location-pronounced-deceased
- https://tucson.com/news/local/border/migrant-dies-in-border-patrol-custody-in-southern-arizona/article_1dcb3a1c-b864-11ed-8bba-e30f6a8b3078.html
256. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: El Salvador
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: January 8th, 2023
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico
On January 8, 2023, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Border Patrol agents working approximately five miles north of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, observed a white Nissan Sentra sedan, suspected of human smuggling, travel east on Strauss Road. Another agent working in the area observed the driver of the Nissan Sentra turn north onto Pete Domenici Highway. The agent followed the Nissan Sentra in an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle and notified sector communications, via his service radio, that he would initiate a vehicle stop on Pete Domenici Highway, near mile marker five. The Nissan Sentra slowed and rolled through the red light at the intersection of Airport Road and Pete Domenici Highway and continued north while accelerating. Reportedly, the agent came to a stop at the intersection, checked for cross traffic, then activated his lights and siren and attempted to perform a vehicle stop, but the driver of the Nissan Sentra failed to yield.
Approximately one mile north of the intersection, the driver of the Nissan Sentra lost control of the vehicle, spun across the highway median, and collided into a concrete barrier on the opposite side of the highway. The pursuing agent reported the Nissan Sentra had traveled far enough ahead of him that he did not observe the Nissan Sentra lose control. The agent requested emergency medical services respond to the scene. Additional agents arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the occupants of the vehicle.
A total of ten occupants were in the Nissan Sentra. Eight occupants, including the driver, were transported to local area hospitals and two occupants were declared deceased on scene. Three occupants were in the trunk and seven in the passenger compartment of the vehicle during the collision. One deceased occupant was ejected from the trunk and discovered in the roadway. The second deceased occupant was located in the rear passenger side seat. The deceased passengers were identified as a citizen of Mexico and a citizen of the Republic of El Salvador.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents and Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office responded and processed the scene of the collision. The investigators determined the Nissan Sentra traveled from the northbound lanes of Pete Domenici Highway, through the median, and across the southbound lanes of the highway, leaving approximately 400 feet of tire marks before it collided with a concrete barrier.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/two-dead-eight-injured-following-vehicle-crash-suspected-human
- https://www.ktsm.com/news/2-died-and-8-other-injured-in-crash-in-santa-teresa/
255. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: January 8th, 2023
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico
On January 8, 2023, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Border Patrol agents working approximately five miles north of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, observed a white Nissan Sentra sedan, suspected of human smuggling, travel east on Strauss Road. Another agent working in the area observed the driver of the Nissan Sentra turn north onto Pete Domenici Highway. The agent followed the Nissan Sentra in an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle and notified sector communications, via his service radio, that he would initiate a vehicle stop on Pete Domenici Highway, near mile marker five. The Nissan Sentra slowed and rolled through the red light at the intersection of Airport Road and Pete Domenici Highway and continued north while accelerating. Reportedly, the agent came to a stop at the intersection, checked for cross traffic, then activated his lights and siren and attempted to perform a vehicle stop, but the driver of the Nissan Sentra failed to yield.
Approximately one mile north of the intersection, the driver of the Nissan Sentra lost control of the vehicle, spun across the highway median, and collided into a concrete barrier on the opposite side of the highway. The pursuing agent reported the Nissan Sentra had traveled far enough ahead of him that he did not observe the Nissan Sentra lose control. The agent requested emergency medical services respond to the scene. Additional agents arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the occupants of the vehicle.
A total of ten occupants were in the Nissan Sentra. Eight occupants, including the driver, were transported to local area hospitals and two occupants were declared deceased on scene. Three occupants were in the trunk and seven in the passenger compartment of the vehicle during the collision. One deceased occupant was ejected from the trunk and discovered in the roadway. The second deceased occupant was located in the rear passenger side seat. The deceased passengers were identified as a citizen of Mexico and a citizen of the Republic of El Salvador.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents and Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office responded and processed the scene of the collision. The investigators determined the Nissan Sentra traveled from the northbound lanes of Pete Domenici Highway, through the median, and across the southbound lanes of the highway, leaving approximately 400 feet of tire marks before it collided with a concrete barrier.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/two-dead-eight-injured-following-vehicle-crash-suspected-human
- https://www.ktsm.com/news/2-died-and-8-other-injured-in-crash-in-santa-teresa/
254. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Cuban
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: January 1st, 2023
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
On January 2, 2023, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Border Patrol station apprehended a woman, a Cuban national, approximately two miles south of the Eagle Pass, Texas International Bridge II. Agents transported the woman to the Firefly Soft Sided Processing Facility located in Eagle Pass. The woman was booked into the processing facility at approximately 10:33 a.m. The woman was medically screened at approximately 11:44 a.m., and she informed the Border Patrol processing coordinator that she had high blood pressure and was taking prescribed medication. A Customs and Border Protection-contracted nurse practitioner medically assessed the woman at approximately 1:33 p.m. During her assessment, the woman did not complain of any chest pains and the nurse practitioner recommended she continue taking her medication. The nurse practitioner cleared the woman for travel and had her sit on a nearby bench in the out-take area of the processing facility. The out-take area is a holding area where migrants are placed prior to being transported to another facility.
The woman collapsed on the ground near two other female migrants at approximately 2:09 p.m. A CBP-contracted security officer and a CBP-contracted emergency medical technician heard the commotion, responded, and found the woman lying on the floor underneath a bench. As the EMT assessed the woman, two CBP-contracted nurses arrived and immediately began CPR on the woman. The EMT ran to the medical department and retrieved an automated external defibrillator and returned to the woman. An agent contacted 911 and requested emergency medical services at approximately 2:10 p.m. The EMT and the nurse practitioner utilized the defibrillator on the woman and administered treatment. The EMT and nurses continued CPR on the woman while awaiting EMS arrival.
Eagle Pass Fire Department EMS arrived and took over the woman’s medical care at approximately 2:27 p.m. Eagle Pass Fire Department EMS transported the woman to the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center. The woman arrived at the hospital at approximately 3:00 p.m., and hospital personnel continued life-saving measures on her. A short time later, the woman was declared deceased by hospital personnel after consultation with the Maverick County Justice of the Peace.
2022
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253. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: December 30th, 2022
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
On December 30, 2022, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Paso Sector Intelligence Unit Evidence Collection Team encountered a male subject approximately four miles northeast of the Bridge of Americas, near El Paso, Texas. The male, a United States citizen, was walking in the middle of Airway Boulevard unclothed from the waist down and posing a traffic hazard to traveling vehicles. Intelligence Unit agents approached the man in their unmarked vehicle, with their emergency lights activated, but the man refused to leave the roadway. Intelligence Unit agents handcuffed the man, removed him from the roadway and sat him down in a nearby restaurant parking lot.
Intelligence Unit agents requested the assistance of the El Paso Police Department and El Paso Fire Department Emergency Medical Services at approximately 6:37 a.m. The agents noticed the man became unresponsive, conducted two sternum rubs with no response and began to administer CPR on the man. The El Paso Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 6:45 a.m. and assumed primary lifesaving efforts on the man. Fire department personnel requested the Intelligence Unit agents start chest compressions as they attempted to intubate the man. While attempting the intubation, EMS personnel extracted a small plastic “baggie” from the man’s mouth. Agents secured it in an evidence bag. El Paso Fire Department EMS transported the man to University Medical Center while the Intelligence Unit agents followed the ambulance to the medical center to obtain fingerprints from the man.
The man arrived at the medical center at approximately 7:10 a.m. and was declared deceased by medical staff a short time after arrival.
252. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: November 13th, 2022
Incident Location: Texas
On Nov.13, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station received a call from Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office of two lost male subjects. Agents located them but discovered one of the male subjects was unresponsive and in medical distress. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician was on the scene and began CPR until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Despite efforts to revive the unresponsive male, he was pronounced deceased at the scene by Jim Hogg County Justice of the Peace.
251. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: US Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: November 11th, 2022
Incident Location: San Antonio, Texas
On November 11, 2022, at approximately 1:45 a.m., an off-duty Border Patrol Agent arrived and parked his personal vehicle in the lot of an apartment complex in San Antonio, Texas. The agent began walking through the parking lot heading to an apartment after parking and exiting his vehicle and spotted two individuals who appeared to be breaking into a Dodge Ram pickup truck. The agent then confronted the two subjects and told them to leave the premises. One of the subjects, later identified as a United States citizen, approached the agent and brandished a revolver. The agent drew his government-issued firearm and fired one shot, striking the man. The second subject fired multiple times but the agent was not injured in the exchange. The two subjects fled the scene in a Dodge sedan.
The individual shot by the agent was dropped off at the Methodist Hospital shortly after the incident by another man who covered his face and did not identify himself. The wounded man was pronounced deceased by Methodist Hospital medical personnel while the second individual involved in the shooting is still at large.
250. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: November 6th, 2022
Incident Location: Brownsville, Texas
On November 6, 2022, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Border Patrol remote camera operator spotted a group of five individuals climbing up the International Border Barrier, approximately 4.2 miles southeast of the Veterans International Bridge, near Brownsville, Texas. The camera operator broadcasted the information via radio to Border Patrol agents assigned to the Fort Brown Border Patrol Station. Agents responded to an area known as “Shrivers”, located approximately 75 yards north of the border barrier, where they encountered and apprehended two individuals.
One of the individuals, a citizen of Mexico, informed agents he was tired and needed to rest. Border Patrol agents escorted the man to a nearby U.S. Border Patrol vehicle. Upon arriving at the vehicle, the man was placed in the back seat, where he informed agents that he was “really tired”, and he had not taken his prescribed medication for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The man suddenly fell unconscious. An agent immediately checked for a pulse and breathing, however, neither were present.
Border Patrol agents requested Emergency Medical Services and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man at approximately 11:47 a.m. While CPR was being administered, agents connected an automated external defibrillator to him which did not advise for a shock to be delivered. The Brownsville Fire Department EMS arrived on scene and subsequently took over primary medical care at approximately 12:10 p.m. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the agents and Brownsville Fire Department EMS, the Cameron County Justice of the Peace declared the man deceased at the scene.
249. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: October 30th, 2022
Incident Location: San Luis, Arizona
On October 30, 2022, a Border Patrol remote camera operator spotted a group of six suspected undocumented migrants entering the United States approximately 1.8 miles west of the San Luis Port of Entry. The camera operator observed at least one of the individuals armed with a handgun. The camera operator relayed the information via radio to Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Tactical Unit working in the area.
The tactical unit agents encountered the group approximately 300 yards from the U.S./Mexico border at approximately 7:09 p.m. Three agents fired their weapons during the encounter striking and killing one of the subjects, later identified as a male citizen of Mexico, who was armed with a handgun which was found near the decedent. The agents apprehended four individuals from the group and one person fled into Mexico.
248. Jorge Arias
Age: 40
Nationality: US Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: October 19th, 2022
Incident Location: Miami, Florida
Jorge Arias, 40, a firearms instructor for the agency, was accidentally shot in the chest during a training exercise at the county-owned Trail Glades Range.
247. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: October 4nd, 2022
Incident Location: Imperial County, California
Migrant dies due to apparent heat-related illness after Border Patrol agents find him in distress in Imperial County, California.
246. Manuel González Morán
Age: 33
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: October 4th, 2022
Incident Location: Texas
A Mexican man who was shot fatally inside a Border Patrol station in Texas this week had grabbed an “edged weapon” off a desk inside the facility and continued to approach U.S. agents after they attempted to stop him with a Taser, the FBI said in a statement late Wednesday.
Border Patrol agents then opened fire at 33-year-old Manuel González Morán. He was taken to the hospital and later died from the injuries, according to the statement.
245. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: September 28th, 2022
Incident Location: Uvalde, Texas
On September 28, 2022, a Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle was traveling westbound on US Highway 90 toward the Uvalde Border Patrol Station immigration checkpoint, located approximately 9.7 miles west of Uvalde, Texas. At approximately 5:54 p.m., the agent observed a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck drive through a ranch fence gate near the eastbound lanes of US Highway 90, approximately eight miles west of Uvalde. The agent observed the pickup truck drive recklessly into the median, onto US Highway 90, and proceeded eastbound toward Uvalde. The agent broadcasted over his service radio he observed multiple occupants inside the pickup truck and requested Uvalde Border Patrol Station contact the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office along with the Uvalde Police Department to intercept the pickup truck. The Border Patrol agent additionally requested available units from several locations to respond to the intersection of US Highway 481 and US Highway 90 to get behind the vehicle. The agent turned his vehicle around and followed the pickup truck eastbound for approximately one mile before the pickup truck slowed and veered to the shoulder of the highway. The agent activated the vehicle’s emergency lights and reported the pickup truck then re-entered the eastbound lanes of US Highway 90 and continued toward Uvalde at a high rate of speed. The agent followed behind the pickup truck, broadcasting over his service radio the direction of travel and the location of the pickup truck as it passed known landmarks.
A Uvalde Police Department officer responded to assist on US Highway 90, between Dunbar Lane and the Uvalde County Fairgrounds, approximately three miles west of Uvalde. The Uvalde Police Department officer reported he observed the pickup truck with front-end damage approaching his location and observed a vehicle with red and blue emergency lights following behind the pickup truck. The police officer successfully deployed a Uvalde Police Department issued tire deflation device and the Border Patrol agent reported he received a thumbs up signal from the Uvalde police officer, indicating it was a successful deployment. At approximately 5:59 p.m., the agent broadcasted over his service radio that the pickup truck was spiked and was passing the Uvalde Cemetery, located within the city limits.
A second Border Patrol agent, driving a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, observed the pickup truck traveling east past the intersection of US Highway 90 and US Highway 481 at a high rate of speed. The second agent turned onto US Highway 90 behind the pickup truck with his vehicle’s emergency lights activated. The agent later informed other Border Patrol agents, via radio, he was unable to maintain a visual due to the high rate of speed the pickup truck was traveling.
Shortly after the pickup truck drove past the intersection of US Highway 481 and US Highway 90, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper traveling westbound on US Highway 90 observed the pickup truck traveling on the median of US Highway 90 being pursued by a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated. The Texas trooper activated his emergency equipment, performed a U-turn to assist the Border Patrol agent, and followed behind the marked U.S. Border Patrol unit continuing eastbound on US Highway 90 driving toward Uvalde.
At approximately 6 p.m., agents reported they lost sight of the suspect pickup truck. Approximately one minute later, an agent reported the pickup truck was involved in a three-vehicle collision with a semi-tractor trailer and a Dodge Dakota truck at the intersection of Getty and Main streets in Uvalde. Within seconds, agents requested emergency medical services respond to the scene. At approximately 6:03 p.m., Uvalde EMS and the Uvalde Fire Department arrived on scene and began rendering aid to injured individuals. Border Patrol agents, Texas Department of Public Safety and Uvalde Police Department responding officers assisted EMS and Uvalde Fire Department units. Agents reported they assisted EMS and Uvalde Fire Department units by extracting injured individuals from the wreckage in order for medical personnel to render aid.
The driver of the Toyota pickup truck, a 17-year-old female Mexican citizen, and a male Mexican citizen suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by a Uvalde County Justice of the Peace. The remaining eight occupants of the vehicle sustained various injuries and were transported by life flight and EMS units to surrounding hospitals in San Antonio. The drivers of the semi-tractor trailer and Dodge Dakota were transported to a local hospital and later released with non-critical injuries.
244. Leslie Anahi Gonzalez Ramos
Age: 17
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: September 28th, 2022
Incident Location: Uvalde, Texas
On September 28, 2022, a Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle was traveling westbound on US Highway 90 toward the Uvalde Border Patrol Station immigration checkpoint, located approximately 9.7 miles west of Uvalde, Texas. At approximately 5:54 p.m., the agent observed a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck drive through a ranch fence gate near the eastbound lanes of US Highway 90, approximately eight miles west of Uvalde. The agent observed the pickup truck drive recklessly into the median, onto US Highway 90, and proceeded eastbound toward Uvalde. The agent broadcasted over his service radio he observed multiple occupants inside the pickup truck and requested Uvalde Border Patrol Station contact the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office along with the Uvalde Police Department to intercept the pickup truck. The Border Patrol agent additionally requested available units from several locations to respond to the intersection of US Highway 481 and US Highway 90 to get behind the vehicle. The agent turned his vehicle around and followed the pickup truck eastbound for approximately one mile before the pickup truck slowed and veered to the shoulder of the highway. The agent activated the vehicle’s emergency lights and reported the pickup truck then re-entered the eastbound lanes of US Highway 90 and continued toward Uvalde at a high rate of speed. The agent followed behind the pickup truck, broadcasting over his service radio the direction of travel and the location of the pickup truck as it passed known landmarks.
A Uvalde Police Department officer responded to assist on US Highway 90, between Dunbar Lane and the Uvalde County Fairgrounds, approximately three miles west of Uvalde. The Uvalde Police Department officer reported he observed the pickup truck with front-end damage approaching his location and observed a vehicle with red and blue emergency lights following behind the pickup truck. The police officer successfully deployed a Uvalde Police Department issued tire deflation device and the Border Patrol agent reported he received a thumbs up signal from the Uvalde police officer, indicating it was a successful deployment. At approximately 5:59 p.m., the agent broadcasted over his service radio that the pickup truck was spiked and was passing the Uvalde Cemetery, located within the city limits.
A second Border Patrol agent, driving a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, observed the pickup truck traveling east past the intersection of US Highway 90 and US Highway 481 at a high rate of speed. The second agent turned onto US Highway 90 behind the pickup truck with his vehicle’s emergency lights activated. The agent later informed other Border Patrol agents, via radio, he was unable to maintain a visual due to the high rate of speed the pickup truck was traveling.
Shortly after the pickup truck drove past the intersection of US Highway 481 and US Highway 90, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper traveling westbound on US Highway 90 observed the pickup truck traveling on the median of US Highway 90 being pursued by a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated. The Texas trooper activated his emergency equipment, performed a U-turn to assist the Border Patrol agent, and followed behind the marked U.S. Border Patrol unit continuing eastbound on US Highway 90 driving toward Uvalde.
At approximately 6 p.m., agents reported they lost sight of the suspect pickup truck. Approximately one minute later, an agent reported the pickup truck was involved in a three-vehicle collision with a semi-tractor trailer and a Dodge Dakota truck at the intersection of Getty and Main streets in Uvalde. Within seconds, agents requested emergency medical services respond to the scene. At approximately 6:03 p.m., Uvalde EMS and the Uvalde Fire Department arrived on scene and began rendering aid to injured individuals. Border Patrol agents, Texas Department of Public Safety and Uvalde Police Department responding officers assisted EMS and Uvalde Fire Department units. Agents reported they assisted EMS and Uvalde Fire Department units by extracting injured individuals from the wreckage in order for medical personnel to render aid.
The driver of the Toyota pickup truck, a 17-year-old female Mexican citizen, and a male Mexican citizen suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by a Uvalde County Justice of the Peace. The remaining eight occupants of the vehicle sustained various injuries and were transported by life flight and EMS units to surrounding hospitals in San Antonio. The drivers of the semi-tractor trailer and Dodge Dakota were transported to a local hospital and later released with non-critical injuries.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/two-dead-multiple-injured-three-vehicle-collision-following
- https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/uvalde-police-crash-texas/273-116f152e-b2aa-4874-a6ad-ce0e742764e7
- https://www.uvaldeleadernews.com/articles/downtown-crash-kills-two/
243. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Accident
Incident Date: September 25th, 2022
Incident Location: Knippa, Texas
On September 25, 2022, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Uvalde Border Patrol Station and two Army National Guardsmen on federal duty were conducting freight train inspections at Yucca Siding in Knippa, Texas, approximately 14 miles northeast of Uvalde, Texas. The National Guardsman observed several suspected migrants on the east bound freight train at approximately 6:14 a.m. and broadcasted the sighting over his issued Border Patrol service radio. The agent responded to the train siding to inspect the train. The agent located and apprehended a man with his wife and child a short time later. The Border Patrol agent requested a transport vehicle to respond to Yucca Siding to assist with the apprehended migrants. One National Guardsman stayed with the three migrants awaiting the transport vehicle while the agent and the other guardsman continued searching for more migrants along the south side of the train while inspecting the grain hoppers. The National Guardsman then observed suspected migrants running along the top of the grain hoppers toward the rear of the train.
As the agent and the guardsman approached the rear of the train on foot, the agent transitioned to the north side of the tracks to determine if the migrants dismounted the train on the north side. The guardsman observed suspected migrants dismount the train on the south side of the tracks and run towards U.S. Highway 90, which is approximately 107 feet from the train tracks. A short time later, the agent and the guardsman heard a loud crash and observed a vehicle come to a stop on the highway. The agent and the guardsman responded to the location and observed an injured man on the side of the road. The agent used his cellular phone to call the Uvalde Border Patrol Station to request emergency medical services at approximately 6:34 a.m. The agent, who is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, performed CPR on the man while awaiting EMS. The agent stopped CPR, ran back to his USBP vehicle, retrieved an automated external defibrillator and returned to the accident scene. The agent placed the defibrillator on the man and continued performing CPR.
Uvalde EMS arrived on the scene and took over life saving measures at approximately 6:53 a.m. Uvalde EMS administered the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System device for approximately two minutes but ceased operation of the device after assessing the man’s condition. The Uvalde County Justice of the Peace arrived on scene and declared the man deceased at approximately 7:45 a.m.
242. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: September 2nd, 2022
Incident Location: Winterhaven, California
Woman found unresponsive north of Winterhaven, Calif. dies at local hospital
On September 2, 2022, at approximately 12:21 p.m., an off-duty Border Patrol agent observed a group of suspected undocumented migrants located approximately 17 miles west of Winterhaven, Calif. The off-duty agent notified El Centro Sector Border Patrol Communications and Border Patrol agents were dispatched to the area. At approximately 12:30 p.m., a Border Patrol agent located a group of three individuals, including an unresponsive woman, later identified as a citizen of Mexico. The agent immediately requested Emergency Medical Services and other agents in the area responded to render assistance. Agents placed the woman, who was unresponsive but breathing, inside an air-conditioned Border Patrol vehicle and utilized cold wet garments to attempt to cool her down while awaiting EMS.
Medical personnel from American Medical Response EMS arrived on scene and took over medical care at approximately 1:07 p.m. AMR transported the woman to the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona at approximately 1:13 p.m. The woman was subsequently admitted into the medical center while under Customs and Border Protection hospital watch.
On September 3, 2022, the woman was processed in accordance with CBP guidelines, released from CBP custody, and remained at the medical center in critical condition. On September 7, 2022, the woman succumbed to her ailments and was declared deceased by medical personnel.
241. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: US Citizen
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 1st, 2022
Incident Location: Lewinston, New York
On September 1, 2022, at approximately 9:19 p.m., a vehicle arrived from Canada at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge in Lewiston, New York. The driver of the vehicle, a U.S. citizen, could not find his identification to provide to the Customs and Border Protection officer working the primary inspection lane. The officer allowed him to search for his passport in the trunk of his vehicle, but he was unable to locate it.
While he was looking in the trunk, a second officer approached with his canine partner. Unable to locate his identification in the trunk, the man then walked to the rear passenger door, leaned into the vehicle, and began searching. The officer then instructed him to get back in his vehicle. The individual then walked around the front of the vehicle and entered the officer’s inspection booth, rather than his car. The officer then called for other officers to assist.
Two other officers, who were in proximity of the primary lane, responded at approximately 9:22 p.m. and escorted the man to the CBP medium secondary inspection building. Once inside, officers had him sit down on a long row of connected metal chairs in the waiting room lobby where he continued to wait and answer questions from officers located behind a plexiglass divider on the other side of a counter.
The man quickly placed both of his hands on his head at approximately 9:27 p.m., began to yell incoherently, fell from the chair and began to writhe on the ground. Officers on the other side of the secured counter noticed the man in distress and entered the medium secondary waiting room to check on him approximately 15 seconds later. He stopped moving approximately one minute later.
One officer checked the man’s pulse while another officer immediately requested emergency medical services at approximately 9:28 p.m. Officers continued to monitor the man while they awaited EMS’ arrival. The man became agitated approximately three minutes later and began to move around on the ground while officers monitored his actions. This continued for approximately five minutes until officers observed him kicking his legs, causing his body to hit the metal waiting room chairs and his head to hit the floor. A total of five officers then turned him over onto his stomach and handcuffed his hands behind his back to prevent him from injuring himself. The officers picked the man up off the floor after a few minutes and sat him in a recovery position on the metal chairs. He continued to yell incoherently and rock back-and-forth while officers continued to prevent him from injuring himself by supporting his head when necessary.
An acting supervisory officer, trained in the administration of medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose, administered a dose of Naloxone at approximately 9:45 p.m. into the man’s right nostril. The same supervisory officer administered a second dose of Naloxone into his left nostril approximately two minutes later. The man became calmer and more alert shortly after the second dose of Naloxone was administered but continued at times to yell incomprehensibly and rock back and forth on the metal chairs. He again began to writhe uncontrollably on the metal chairs and fell to the floor and lost consciousness approximately 15 minutes after the second dose of Naloxone. Officers monitored his condition as he continued to breathe on his own.
Upper Mountain Volunteer Fire Department EMS arrived at approximately 10:02 p.m. and immediately assumed primary care of the man. Officers removed the handcuffs at approximately 10:06 p.m., while EMS continued to provide primary care. EMS transported him to the Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital at approximately 10:08 p.m. and medical personnel declared the man deceased shortly after their arrival at the hospital.
Officers conducted a search of the man’s vehicle and discovered several substances, including one vial containing a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. The unknown substances will be tested by a CBP laboratory.
240. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 18th, 2022
Incident Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico
On August 15, 2022, at approximately 4:45 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents driving unmarked vehicles were conducting anti-smuggling operations in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, when they observed a Ford Escape and an Acura sedan sitting stationary at a green traffic light on Industrial Road. The vehicles turned left onto Pete V Domenici Highway. A few minutes later, the Border Patrol agents observed the same two vehicles parked next to each other in the parking lot of a FedEx warehouse and suspected the vehicles were engaged in smuggling activities. The agents parked at a separate nearby warehouse and radioed their location and the location of the two suspicious vehicles to other agents in the area. A Supervisory Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked vehicle entered the FedEx parking lot, obtained the license plate numbers of the two vehicles and requested records checks on the Acura’s New Mexico license plate. El Paso Sector Communications informed the supervisory agent that the license plate was registered to a Honda. The Ford Escape had temporary paper license plates; both switching license plates and temporary paper plates are commonly used tactics by smugglers. The agents then observed both the Acura and Ford pass their location travelling westbound on Strauss Road followed by the supervisory agent. The supervisory agent passed the Acura and Ford because they were traveling slowly then observed in his rear-view mirror that both vehicles turned around and went east on Strauss Road. The suspect vehicles continued eastbound to the intersection of Pete V Domenici Highway and turned north.
Border Patrol agents in a single unmarked vehicle were traveling ahead of the Acura and the Ford on Pete V Domenici Highway and observed a Lincoln Sport Utility Vehicle driving northbound near the intersection of Airport Road. The agents noticed the Lincoln SUV appeared to be heavily loaded which led agents to believe the vehicle was also possibly involved in smuggling. They called another Border Patrol agent in a marked vehicle via radio to conduct a traffic stop on the Lincoln SUV. The agent, who was accompanied by two agent trainees in the marked vehicle, and one unmarked vehicle conducted a traffic stop on the Lincoln SUV on Pete V Domenici Highway, approximately one quarter mile west of the New Mexico/Texas state border. The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of seven undocumented migrants and two smugglers. While assisting on the stop, the agents in the unmarked vehicle observed the Acura and Ford pass by their location and began to follow the vehicles.
The Ford Escape and the Acura sedan came to a stop at a traffic light at the intersection of Artcraft-Ord Gary Road and Upper Valley Road in El Paso, Texas, at approximately 5:29 a.m. There are four eastbound traffic lanes at this intersection,. As the vehicles waited at the traffic light, the Acura was in the left lane, and the Ford was stopped in the middle lane, with agents in unmarked vehicles in front of, behind, and on its passenger side. There were no other vehicles in front of the unmarked Border Patrol vehicle located on the passenger side of the Ford Escape.
As the vehicles were stopped at the intersection, two agents from the unmarked vehicles positioned in front of and behind the Ford exited their vehicles in plain clothes with no visible law enforcement markings and approached the Ford to ascertain if the driver was smuggling undocumented migrants. The driver of the Ford Escape suddenly maneuvered the vehicle to the right and impacted the front bumper of the driver’s side of the unmarked Border Patrol vehicle that was on the Ford Escape’s passenger side. The Ford continued driving southbound on Upper Valley Road at a high rate of speed. The two agents returned to their vehicles to follow the Ford, however, the agents observed brake lights in the distance and then lost visual contact. The agent in the unmarked vehicle impacted by the Ford pulled to the side of the road, inspected the damage to the front of his vehicle and then continued southbound on Upper Valley Road. The other agents drove southbound on Upper Valley Road searching for the Ford Escape.
An agent observed tire tracks in the dirt shoulder of Upper Valley Road at approximately 5:31 a.m., roughly 1,175 feet south of the intersection of Artcraft-Ord Gary Road and Upper Valley Road. The tire marks continued east into a canal near the intersection of Via de Los Arboles and Upper Valley Road and indicated that the Ford crossed the northbound lane and continued into a canal. The agent exited his vehicle and observed the Ford in the canal half submerged under water but could not reach the vehicle due to the canal’s steep embankment. The agent immediately requested Emergency Medical Services and other agents to assist with the single vehicle crash.
EMS arrived on scene soon after and rescued injured occupants from the submerged Ford. A passenger, later identified as a citizen of Guatemala, had been ejected from the Ford Escape and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene by the El Paso County Justice of the Peace. The driver and six remaining passengers sustained injuries and were transported by EMS to various hospitals in El Paso.
239. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: August 2nd, 2022
Incident Location: Los Ebanos, Texas
On August 2, 2022, at approximately 5:53 a.m., Border Patrol Agents received a report of multiple groups of suspected undocumented migrants in an area known as Avocado Landing, located east of El Faro Road near Los Ebanos, Texas. Three agents responded to the area and conducted a foot search around 5:57 a.m.
Agents apprehended eight undocumented migrants; however, several other individuals fled towards the river. Upon securing the undocumented migrants, agents searched for additional migrants and encountered about ten more individuals alongside the riverbank at approximately 6:26 a.m. As the Border Patrol agents began sending the migrants to other agents to be secured, they heard screaming in the river. The agents called for support, which resulted in the deployment of a rescue flotation device.
An agent took the rescue device, ran towards the river and reported he did not hear anyone screaming and could not see anyone due to the darkness. The agent repeatedly threw the flotation device toward the area of the screaming but the person did not resurface.
Vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department searched the river and a man’s body was recovered at approximately 9:10 a.m. The decedent was later identified as a citizen of Guatemala.
238. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: US Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: July 28th, 2022
Incident Location: Arizona
On July 28, 2022, at approximately 1:09 p.m., a Cochise County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle with a temporary license plate on Davis Road near mile marker 18 between the towns of Tombstone and McNeal, Ariz.; the vehicle failed to yield. The sheriff’s deputy stopped the pursuit due to the driver’s erratic driving and issued a be-on-the-lookout bulletin for the vehicle to county-wide law enforcement agencies.
The Willcox, Ariz., U.S. Border Patrol Station broadcast the search for the vehicle over the service radio at approximately 2:26 p.m. Two Border Patrol agents in separate vehicles were at a nearby checkpoint and observed the vehicle traveling north on SR 90 at approximately 3:37 p.m. The agents confirmed it was the same vehicle that fled earlier in the day and one agent passed the vehicle on SR 90 to prepare a vehicle immobilization device for deployment in case the vehicle again failed to yield. The second agent continued to follow the vehicle on SR 90. A third agent driving an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle joined behind the vehicle and the marked Border Patrol vehicle a short time later. The agents then attempted to stop the vehicle by activating their emergency lights near mile marker 294 on SR 90, but the vehicle failed to yield and fled from the agents at a high rate of speed.
The first agent, who initially traveled further north to wait for the vehicle, positioned himself near Whetstone Ranch Road and deployed a vehicle immobilization device, which successfully contacted the vehicle, but the driver continued driving north on SR 90. The primary pursuing agent’s vehicle dropped out of the pursuit after inadvertently contacting the immobilization device, which caused damage to a tire. The third agent took over the primary pursuit position with his emergency lights and siren activated. A Supervisory Border Patrol Agent terminated the pursuit at approximately 3:47 p.m. due to it approaching the city of Benson.
The pursuing agent de-activated his emergency equipment and, shortly thereafter, observed an unmarked Benson Police Department vehicle ahead of him activate its emergency lights in an attempt to stop the suspect vehicle. The Border Patrol agent then reactivated his emergency lights and, almost simultaneously, the suspect vehicle collided with a GMC Yukon near the intersection of SR 90 and Village Loop. Both the local police department vehicle and Border Patrol vehicle stopped at the scene of the crash, provided assistance and requested emergency medical services.
The Benson Fire Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety arrived on scene a short time later. The driver of the vehicle, a United States citizen, was transported via Life Flight air ambulance to the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz. Health Care Innovations EMS arrived at the scene and medical personnel declared the male passenger of the suspect vehicle, a United States citizen, deceased. Health Care Innovations EMS transported two undocumented migrants to the Benson Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and then released to the Willcox Border Patrol Station.
237. Jorge Garcia-Vazquez
Age: 24
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: July 27th, 2022
Incident Location: New Mexico
On July 27, 2022, at approximately 4:05 a.m., a Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle was conducting roving patrol duties on New Mexico Highway 9 and observed a Tahoe driving westbound near mile marker 144. The agent observed the vehicle drive past his location heading eastbound on HW 9 and the vehicle appeared to be carrying more weight than when he initially observed it. The agent proceeded to follow the vehicle and noticed that it was driving slower than the normal rate of speed for the highway.
The agent continued following the vehicle for approximately two miles, towards the intersection of HW9 and Pete Domenici Boulevard. Just before arriving at the intersection, the agent attempted to stop the vehicle by activating his unmarked Border Patrol vehicle’s emergency lights at approximately 4:37 a.m., but the driver of the Tahoe turned north on Pete Domenici Boulevard. The vehicle continued driving at the speed limit but ignored the agents emergency lights, so the agent activated his vehicle’s siren and the driver of the vehicle accelerated, failed to yield, and continued driving north on Pete Domenici Boulevard. Due to the high rate of speed the vehicle was going, the agent deactivated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren and discontinued following the vehicle but continued driving north on Pete Domenici Boulevard.
A Supervisory Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked vehicle was monitoring the radio communications and was driving in the vicinity of Pete Domenici Boulevard and Strauss Road. The supervisory agent observed the suspect vehicle approaching behind him and decided to turn east on Airport Road to avoid the suspect vehicle. The driver of the suspect vehicle also turned east on Airport Road and continued to drive behind the supervisory agent. The driver of the suspect vehicle drove around the supervisory agents vehicle utilizing the shoulder lane and continued driving eastbound on Airport Road at a high rate of speed. The supervisory agent continued driving east on Airport Road and did not activate his Border Patrol vehicle’s emergency equipment. The supervisory agent observed a cloud of dust and vehicle headlights pointing up at approximately 4:41 a.m..
The supervisory agent immediately requested emergency medical services and the assistance of other agents in the area due to what he believed was a vehicle accident. When he arrived at the intersection of Airport Road and McNutt Road he observed the suspect vehicle in a ravine on the side of the road and realized that power lines were down across the road due to having struck a utility pole. Additional agents arrived at the crash site and blocked traffic to prevent civilians from striking the downed power lines.
A short time later, the Sunland Park Fire Department, EMS, and Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue agents arrived on the scene and started tending to the injured occupants of the vehicle. There were a total of 13 suspected undocumented migrants in the suspect vehicle. EMS Medics transported four migrants to the Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, for further medical evaluation and additional medics transported six migrants to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. One migrant was uninjured and transported to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol station. Two migrants trapped underneath the suspect vehicle, both citizens of Mexico, were declared deceased on the scene by EMS medical personnel.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/two-die-vehicle-accident-transporting-undocumented-migrants-new
- https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/crime/2022/08/01/details-emerge-in-santa-teresa-crash-that-killed-two/65388846007/
236. Guadalupe Cruze-Vazquez
Age: 18
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: July 27th, 2022
Incident Location: New Mexico
On July 27, 2022, at approximately 4:05 a.m., a Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle was conducting roving patrol duties on New Mexico Highway 9 and observed a Tahoe driving westbound near mile marker 144. The agent observed the vehicle drive past his location heading eastbound on HW 9 and the vehicle appeared to be carrying more weight than when he initially observed it. The agent proceeded to follow the vehicle and noticed that it was driving slower than the normal rate of speed for the highway.
The agent continued following the vehicle for approximately two miles, towards the intersection of HW9 and Pete Domenici Boulevard. Just before arriving at the intersection, the agent attempted to stop the vehicle by activating his unmarked Border Patrol vehicle’s emergency lights at approximately 4:37 a.m., but the driver of the Tahoe turned north on Pete Domenici Boulevard. The vehicle continued driving at the speed limit but ignored the agents emergency lights, so the agent activated his vehicle’s siren and the driver of the vehicle accelerated, failed to yield, and continued driving north on Pete Domenici Boulevard. Due to the high rate of speed the vehicle was going, the agent deactivated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren and discontinued following the vehicle but continued driving north on Pete Domenici Boulevard.
A Supervisory Border Patrol agent driving an unmarked vehicle was monitoring the radio communications and was driving in the vicinity of Pete Domenici Boulevard and Strauss Road. The supervisory agent observed the suspect vehicle approaching behind him and decided to turn east on Airport Road to avoid the suspect vehicle. The driver of the suspect vehicle also turned east on Airport Road and continued to drive behind the supervisory agent. The driver of the suspect vehicle drove around the supervisory agents vehicle utilizing the shoulder lane and continued driving eastbound on Airport Road at a high rate of speed. The supervisory agent continued driving east on Airport Road and did not activate his Border Patrol vehicle’s emergency equipment. The supervisory agent observed a cloud of dust and vehicle headlights pointing up at approximately 4:41 a.m..
The supervisory agent immediately requested emergency medical services and the assistance of other agents in the area due to what he believed was a vehicle accident. When he arrived at the intersection of Airport Road and McNutt Road he observed the suspect vehicle in a ravine on the side of the road and realized that power lines were down across the road due to having struck a utility pole. Additional agents arrived at the crash site and blocked traffic to prevent civilians from striking the downed power lines.
A short time later, the Sunland Park Fire Department, EMS, and Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue agents arrived on the scene and started tending to the injured occupants of the vehicle. There were a total of 13 suspected undocumented migrants in the suspect vehicle. EMS Medics transported four migrants to the Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, for further medical evaluation and additional medics transported six migrants to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. One migrant was uninjured and transported to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol station. Two migrants trapped underneath the suspect vehicle, both citizens of Mexico, were declared deceased on the scene by EMS medical personnel.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/two-die-vehicle-accident-transporting-undocumented-migrants-new
- https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/crime/2022/08/01/details-emerge-in-santa-teresa-crash-that-killed-two/65388846007/
235. Unknown
Age: Unknown (young child)
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 22nd, 2022
Incident Location: Deming, New Mexico
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.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/migrant-dies-unknown-medical-reasons-after-crossing-border
- https://www.demingheadlight.com/story/news/2022/08/09/aclu-nm-responds-to-death-of-migrant-child-near-deming/65395931007/
234. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: July 9th, 2022
Incident Location: Rio Grande, Texas
On July 9 at approximately 4:07 a.m., a Border Patrol agent operating a surveillance camera system notified the local Border Patrol sector that a group of migrants was making illegal entry into the U.S., approximately one-half mile southeast of the Rio Grande Port of Entry near Rio Grande City, Texas, where the Los Olmos Creek flows into the Rio Grande River.
Three agents and a Border Patrol canine responded to the area. The canine handler and his detection canine encountered a group of four migrants. The group ran east and entered the Los Olmos Creek, which is an approximately 30-35-foot-wide body of water, surrounded by a steep embankment that drops into a muddy creek covered by very large reeds.
After they entered the water, two of the migrants swam across the Los Olmos Creek, one of the migrants swam back to the bank of the creek and was subsequently apprehended by Border Patrol. The fourth migrant, later identified as a male citizen of Guatemala, struggled to stay afloat.The canine handler detached the 15-foot leash from his dog, waded into the creek, and attempted to rescue the man from drowning by throwing the leash to him. Another agent held out a carrizo cane reed from the bank for the man to grab. A third agent used his flashlight to illuminate the area.
A Border Patrol watch commander arrived, saw the other agents attempting to rescue the migrant, and then ran approximately 100 yards back to his vehicle to grab a rescue floatation device. The man was unable to grab either the canine leash or the carrizo cane and he sank below the surface of the water before the watch commander was able to return.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents interviewed the migrants involved in the incident. None of them could recall the man’s name, but all gave a similar description of his clothing and approximate age and recalled that he was a citizen of Guatemala. All of the migrants indicated they encountered Border Patrol agents and attempted to abscond. One of the migrants indicated she saw the man in the water struggling, and attempted to rescue him but could not. She also said that the responding agents tried to rescue him by throwing what she believed to be a rope multiple times, but the man ultimately went under the water and did not resurface.
CBP was informed by the Rio Grande City Fire Department on July 12 that on July 11 they recovered a male body near the mouth of the Los Olmos Creek. The recovered body matched the description provided by the other migrants. The man was identified by a Government of Guatemala identification card issued in his name and bearing his photo located on his person. CBP met with the three migrants apprehended at the time of the incident on July 13, and when CBP presented a photo of the deceased, all three of the migrants identified him as the man from their group.
233. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: June 30th, 2022
Incident Location: Encinal, Texas
On June 30, at approximately 8:28 a.m., a Jeep Wrangler circumvented the United States Border Patrol checkpoint, located at mile marker 29 of Interstate Highway 35, using the west access road of IH-35. A Border Patrol agent parked on the west access road between mile markers 30 and 31 heard a report of the Jeep Wrangler via radio and within a few minutes, the vehicle passed the Border Patrol agent’s location. The agent observed a male driver, who appeared to be the vehicle’s sole occupant. The agent, operating a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, followed the Jeep Wrangler northbound on the west access road. The Jeep Wrangler turned onto a dirt road, referred to by agents as the Cerrito Alleyway, and the agent observed the driver stop at a gate and briefly converse with an individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler continued towards the west access road, where the agent was stopped. The Jeep Wrangler stopped at the agent’s location and the agent lowered his window, asking the driver if he needed any assistance.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler indicated he was looking for a wildlife safari. The agent got out of the US Border Patrol vehicle and approached the man to assist. As the agent approached, the man drove forward and nervously repeated that he had missed his exit and needed to go. The man drove away and the agent observed that the vehicle appeared to be riding low, as though it contained heavy cargo. The agent followed the vehicle onto the west access road and the Jeep Wrangler began to speed away from the agent.
At approximately 8:34 a.m., the agent activated his vehicle’s overhead lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued northbound on the IH35 west access road. The agent notified a supervisor of the pursuit and reported speeds of approximately 90 mph as the pursuit continued northbound on the west access road.
At approximately 8:36 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler crossed IH-35 at the mile marker 32 underpass and merged onto northbound IH35 via the east access road. Border Patrol agents asked dispatch to request assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Encinal Police Department.
The agent pursued the Jeep Wrangler northbound on IH35, reporting that the vehicle was traveling over 100 mph in light traffic. As the agent traveled between mile markers 36 and 37, he reportedly lost sight of the Jeep Wrangler and slowed down. As the agent traveled over the mile marker 39 overpass, he observed a dust cloud in the parking lot of the Loves Travel Stop, located on the east access road and Highway 44 in Encinal, Texas. The agent immediately reported that the Jeep Wrangler was involved in a collision and requested Emergency Medical Services.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed video footage of the collision which revealed the following: At approximately 8:39 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler exited IH35 at mile marker 39 while traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to negotiate the exit ramp, lost control and struck the rear of the tractor trailer parked at the Loves Travel Stop. Approximately 14 seconds later, the first Encinal Police Department vehicle arrived on scene. At the time of the police department’s arrival, the pursuing Border Patrol agent’s vehicle can be seen traveling past the collision scene on the northbound lanes of IH35. Approximately 62 seconds later, the first U.S. Border Patrol vehicle arrived at the scene.
The Jeep Wrangler was found to contain a total of seven occupants. Four of the vehicle’s occupants were fatally injured, including two adult male citizens of Mexico, one adult citizen of Guatemala, and one unidentified individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a United States citizen, suffered head trauma and was airlifted to the University Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, one adult male Guatemalan citizen was airlifted to University Medical Center, and another adult male Guatemalan citizen was transported to the Laredo Medical Center.
Texas Department of Public Safety assumed lead of the accident investigation and Homeland Security Investigations has initiated a criminal investigation against the driver of the Jeep Wrangler.
This incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and reviewed by CBP’s OPR. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
232. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: June 30th, 2022
Incident Location: Encinal, Texas
On June 30, at approximately 8:28 a.m., a Jeep Wrangler circumvented the United States Border Patrol checkpoint, located at mile marker 29 of Interstate Highway 35, using the west access road of IH-35. A Border Patrol agent parked on the west access road between mile markers 30 and 31 heard a report of the Jeep Wrangler via radio and within a few minutes, the vehicle passed the Border Patrol agent’s location. The agent observed a male driver, who appeared to be the vehicle’s sole occupant. The agent, operating a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, followed the Jeep Wrangler northbound on the west access road. The Jeep Wrangler turned onto a dirt road, referred to by agents as the Cerrito Alleyway, and the agent observed the driver stop at a gate and briefly converse with an individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler continued towards the west access road, where the agent was stopped. The Jeep Wrangler stopped at the agent’s location and the agent lowered his window, asking the driver if he needed any assistance.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler indicated he was looking for a wildlife safari. The agent got out of the US Border Patrol vehicle and approached the man to assist. As the agent approached, the man drove forward and nervously repeated that he had missed his exit and needed to go. The man drove away and the agent observed that the vehicle appeared to be riding low, as though it contained heavy cargo. The agent followed the vehicle onto the west access road and the Jeep Wrangler began to speed away from the agent.
At approximately 8:34 a.m., the agent activated his vehicle’s overhead lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued northbound on the IH35 west access road. The agent notified a supervisor of the pursuit and reported speeds of approximately 90 mph as the pursuit continued northbound on the west access road.
At approximately 8:36 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler crossed IH-35 at the mile marker 32 underpass and merged onto northbound IH35 via the east access road. Border Patrol agents asked dispatch to request assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Encinal Police Department.
The agent pursued the Jeep Wrangler northbound on IH35, reporting that the vehicle was traveling over 100 mph in light traffic. As the agent traveled between mile markers 36 and 37, he reportedly lost sight of the Jeep Wrangler and slowed down. As the agent traveled over the mile marker 39 overpass, he observed a dust cloud in the parking lot of the Loves Travel Stop, located on the east access road and Highway 44 in Encinal, Texas. The agent immediately reported that the Jeep Wrangler was involved in a collision and requested Emergency Medical Services.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed video footage of the collision which revealed the following: At approximately 8:39 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler exited IH35 at mile marker 39 while traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to negotiate the exit ramp, lost control and struck the rear of the tractor trailer parked at the Loves Travel Stop. Approximately 14 seconds later, the first Encinal Police Department vehicle arrived on scene. At the time of the police department’s arrival, the pursuing Border Patrol agent’s vehicle can be seen traveling past the collision scene on the northbound lanes of IH35. Approximately 62 seconds later, the first U.S. Border Patrol vehicle arrived at the scene.
The Jeep Wrangler was found to contain a total of seven occupants. Four of the vehicle’s occupants were fatally injured, including two adult male citizens of Mexico, one adult citizen of Guatemala, and one unidentified individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a United States citizen, suffered head trauma and was airlifted to the University Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, one adult male Guatemalan citizen was airlifted to University Medical Center, and another adult male Guatemalan citizen was transported to the Laredo Medical Center.
Texas Department of Public Safety assumed lead of the accident investigation and Homeland Security Investigations has initiated a criminal investigation against the driver of the Jeep Wrangler.
This incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and reviewed by CBP’s OPR. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
231. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: June 30th, 2022
Incident Location: Encinal, Texas
On June 30, at approximately 8:28 a.m., a Jeep Wrangler circumvented the United States Border Patrol checkpoint, located at mile marker 29 of Interstate Highway 35, using the west access road of IH-35. A Border Patrol agent parked on the west access road between mile markers 30 and 31 heard a report of the Jeep Wrangler via radio and within a few minutes, the vehicle passed the Border Patrol agent’s location. The agent observed a male driver, who appeared to be the vehicle’s sole occupant. The agent, operating a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, followed the Jeep Wrangler northbound on the west access road. The Jeep Wrangler turned onto a dirt road, referred to by agents as the Cerrito Alleyway, and the agent observed the driver stop at a gate and briefly converse with an individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler continued towards the west access road, where the agent was stopped. The Jeep Wrangler stopped at the agent’s location and the agent lowered his window, asking the driver if he needed any assistance.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler indicated he was looking for a wildlife safari. The agent got out of the US Border Patrol vehicle and approached the man to assist. As the agent approached, the man drove forward and nervously repeated that he had missed his exit and needed to go. The man drove away and the agent observed that the vehicle appeared to be riding low, as though it contained heavy cargo. The agent followed the vehicle onto the west access road and the Jeep Wrangler began to speed away from the agent.
At approximately 8:34 a.m., the agent activated his vehicle’s overhead lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued northbound on the IH35 west access road. The agent notified a supervisor of the pursuit and reported speeds of approximately 90 mph as the pursuit continued northbound on the west access road.
At approximately 8:36 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler crossed IH-35 at the mile marker 32 underpass and merged onto northbound IH35 via the east access road. Border Patrol agents asked dispatch to request assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Encinal Police Department.
The agent pursued the Jeep Wrangler northbound on IH35, reporting that the vehicle was traveling over 100 mph in light traffic. As the agent traveled between mile markers 36 and 37, he reportedly lost sight of the Jeep Wrangler and slowed down. As the agent traveled over the mile marker 39 overpass, he observed a dust cloud in the parking lot of the Loves Travel Stop, located on the east access road and Highway 44 in Encinal, Texas. The agent immediately reported that the Jeep Wrangler was involved in a collision and requested Emergency Medical Services.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed video footage of the collision which revealed the following: At approximately 8:39 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler exited IH35 at mile marker 39 while traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to negotiate the exit ramp, lost control and struck the rear of the tractor trailer parked at the Loves Travel Stop. Approximately 14 seconds later, the first Encinal Police Department vehicle arrived on scene. At the time of the police department’s arrival, the pursuing Border Patrol agent’s vehicle can be seen traveling past the collision scene on the northbound lanes of IH35. Approximately 62 seconds later, the first U.S. Border Patrol vehicle arrived at the scene.
The Jeep Wrangler was found to contain a total of seven occupants. Four of the vehicle’s occupants were fatally injured, including two adult male citizens of Mexico, one adult citizen of Guatemala, and one unidentified individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a United States citizen, suffered head trauma and was airlifted to the University Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, one adult male Guatemalan citizen was airlifted to University Medical Center, and another adult male Guatemalan citizen was transported to the Laredo Medical Center.
Texas Department of Public Safety assumed lead of the accident investigation and Homeland Security Investigations has initiated a criminal investigation against the driver of the Jeep Wrangler.
This incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and reviewed by CBP’s OPR. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
230. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: June 30th, 2022
Incident Location: Encinal, Texas
On June 30, at approximately 8:28 a.m., a Jeep Wrangler circumvented the United States Border Patrol checkpoint, located at mile marker 29 of Interstate Highway 35, using the west access road of IH-35. A Border Patrol agent parked on the west access road between mile markers 30 and 31 heard a report of the Jeep Wrangler via radio and within a few minutes, the vehicle passed the Border Patrol agent’s location. The agent observed a male driver, who appeared to be the vehicle’s sole occupant. The agent, operating a marked U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, followed the Jeep Wrangler northbound on the west access road. The Jeep Wrangler turned onto a dirt road, referred to by agents as the Cerrito Alleyway, and the agent observed the driver stop at a gate and briefly converse with an individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler continued towards the west access road, where the agent was stopped. The Jeep Wrangler stopped at the agent’s location and the agent lowered his window, asking the driver if he needed any assistance.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler indicated he was looking for a wildlife safari. The agent got out of the US Border Patrol vehicle and approached the man to assist. As the agent approached, the man drove forward and nervously repeated that he had missed his exit and needed to go. The man drove away and the agent observed that the vehicle appeared to be riding low, as though it contained heavy cargo. The agent followed the vehicle onto the west access road and the Jeep Wrangler began to speed away from the agent.
At approximately 8:34 a.m., the agent activated his vehicle’s overhead lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued northbound on the IH35 west access road. The agent notified a supervisor of the pursuit and reported speeds of approximately 90 mph as the pursuit continued northbound on the west access road.
At approximately 8:36 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler crossed IH-35 at the mile marker 32 underpass and merged onto northbound IH35 via the east access road. Border Patrol agents asked dispatch to request assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Encinal Police Department.
The agent pursued the Jeep Wrangler northbound on IH35, reporting that the vehicle was traveling over 100 mph in light traffic. As the agent traveled between mile markers 36 and 37, he reportedly lost sight of the Jeep Wrangler and slowed down. As the agent traveled over the mile marker 39 overpass, he observed a dust cloud in the parking lot of the Loves Travel Stop, located on the east access road and Highway 44 in Encinal, Texas. The agent immediately reported that the Jeep Wrangler was involved in a collision and requested Emergency Medical Services.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed video footage of the collision which revealed the following: At approximately 8:39 a.m., the Jeep Wrangler exited IH35 at mile marker 39 while traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to negotiate the exit ramp, lost control and struck the rear of the tractor trailer parked at the Loves Travel Stop. Approximately 14 seconds later, the first Encinal Police Department vehicle arrived on scene. At the time of the police department’s arrival, the pursuing Border Patrol agent’s vehicle can be seen traveling past the collision scene on the northbound lanes of IH35. Approximately 62 seconds later, the first U.S. Border Patrol vehicle arrived at the scene.
The Jeep Wrangler was found to contain a total of seven occupants. Four of the vehicle’s occupants were fatally injured, including two adult male citizens of Mexico, one adult citizen of Guatemala, and one unidentified individual. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a United States citizen, suffered head trauma and was airlifted to the University Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, one adult male Guatemalan citizen was airlifted to University Medical Center, and another adult male Guatemalan citizen was transported to the Laredo Medical Center.
Texas Department of Public Safety assumed lead of the accident investigation and Homeland Security Investigations has initiated a criminal investigation against the driver of the Jeep Wrangler.
This incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and reviewed by CBP’s OPR. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
229. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Use of Force
Incident Date: June 18th, 2022
Incident Location: Falfurrias, Texas
On June 18, 2022, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol and other law enforcement entities were involved in a vehicle pursuit on Highway 281 near Falfurrias, Texas which later resulted in a use of force incident. One person is dead. Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation and the incident is being reviewed by Custom and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
228. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: June 8th, 2022
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
On June 8, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the El Paso U.S. Border Patrol Station was working line watch duties when he observed four suspected migrants running north from the Rio Grande River towards the International Border Barrier, approximately one and a quarter miles east of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. The International Border Barrier is situated between the U.S./Mexico international border and the American Canal. The Border Patrol agent drove his U.S. Border Patrol marked vehicle on the levee road towards the location from the south side of the barrier and saw two individuals running back south towards the Rio Grande River. The agent ran through the open barrier gate, and observed one of the individuals struggling in the canal due to the strength of the current. The agent immediately requested assistance from the El Paso Fire Department and broadcasted a request for a rescue rope via radio communications to the Border Patrol agents near the location. The nearest U.S. Border Patrol water rescue equipment box was inaccessible to the agent due to the box being situated on the north side of the canal and approximately a tenth of a mile away from the agent’s location. The Border Patrol agent briefly searched for the second individual in the water, but he did not see the second individual. The agent continued to walk along the edge of the canal, monitoring the individual in the water until additional agents arrived.
Within approximately four minutes of the radio communication requesting assistance, two additional agents arrived at the location and met with the Border Patrol agent who was monitoring the individual in the water. The individual, later identified as a male citizen of Mexico, was floating face down in the canal, continuing to be swept away by the current. Agents deployed their rescue ropes but were unsuccessful in retrieving the man. A short time later, El Paso Fire Department arrived and entered the canal with the assistance of the agents. El Paso Fire Department pulled the man out of the canal and initiated CPR with the assistance of a certified Emergency Medical Technician Border Patrol agent. El Paso Fire Department Rescue Five EMS arrived at the location and took over life saving measures on the man. El Paso Fire Department Rescue Five EMS personnel determined the man required further medical care and transported him to the University Medical Center in El Paso. The man was admitted into the medical center and was moved into the intensive care unit while under U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s hospital watch.
On June 9, the man was processed in accordance with CBP guidelines and released from CBP custody but remained at University Medical Center. Later that day, the man succumbed to his ailments and was declared deceased by medical center personnel.
The El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility are reviewing this incident. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.
227. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: May 30th, 2022
Incident Location: Tucson, Arizona
On May 30, 2022, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Station in Tucson, Ariz, observed a silver Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV traveling eastbound on Arivaca Road near mile marker 17, toward a Border Patrol checkpoint located near mile marker 22. The agents, who were traveling westbound in an unmarked vehicle, suspected the SUV might have been transporting undocumented migrants.The agents turned around and entered the eastbound lane to catch up to the SUV. As the agents traveled east near mile marker 20, they observed the SUV traveling west on Arivaca road at a high rate of speed. The agents turned around a second time, entered the westbound lanes, and attempted again to catch up to the SUV.A short time after the agents entered the westbound lanes, they saw a cloud of dust in the distance and continued west on Arivaca Road. Near mile marker 18 they discovered the SUV in a ditch on fire. The agents observed one person fleeing from the accident, immediately requested emergency medical services and removed a total of eight occupants from the vehicle.The Santa Cruz Sherriff’s Department, multiple local fire departments, American Medical Response, Elephant Head EMS, Life Flight Air EMS, and a CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter with Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue agents on board all responded to the scene. Life Flight Air EMS transported two individuals to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz, and ground ambulances transported five individuals to the hospital. The CBP helicopter transported a male citizen of Honduras to the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was intubated and diagnosed with an inoperable brain bleed and was placed under CBP hospital watch. He succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on June 2, 2022.
226. Abigail Roman Aguilar
Age: 32
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Use of Force
Incident Date: May 24th, 2022
Incident Location: Douglas, Arizona
On May 24, 2022, at approximately 12:43 a.m., a U.S. Border Patrol agent working near Pan-American Avenue and 5th Street in Douglas, Arizona, was involved in a use of force incident which resulted in the death of an individual in Border Patrol custody.
225. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Angolan
Cause of Death: Drowning (assumed)
Incident Date: May 5th, 2022
Incident Location: Del Rio, Texas
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station do not know the fate of an Angolan child after recovering the body of his brother from the Rio Grande River, May 5.
On May 2, agents encountered a husband and wife from Angola who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River approximately one mile west of the Del Rio International Bridge. The couple informed agents that their two boys, 7 and 9 years old, were swept away by strong river currents while attempting to cross into the United States. A Del Rio Station Boat Patrol unit was deployed to the area where the incident occurred in an attempt to locate the children. Del Rio Sector’s Foreign Operations Branch contacted the law enforcement counterparts in Mexico for coordinated assistance.
The mother and father were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and processed as per CBP guidelines.
On May 5, a body of a child matching the family’s description was found near the riverbank on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande, by Mexican authorities. Efforts are still ongoing to locate him.
224. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Angolan
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: May 5th, 2022
Incident Location: Del Rio, Texas
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station recovered the body of a small child from the Rio Grande River, May 5.
On May 2, agents encountered a husband and wife from Angola who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River approximately one mile west of the Del Rio International Bridge. The couple informed agents that their two boys, 7 and 9 years old, were swept away by strong river currents while attempting to cross into the United States. A Del Rio Station Boat Patrol unit was deployed to the area where the incident occurred in an attempt to locate the children. Del Rio Sector’s Foreign Operations Branch contacted the law enforcement counterparts in Mexico for coordinated assistance.
The mother and father were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and processed as per CBP guidelines.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station do not know the fate of an Angolan child after recovering the body of his brother from the Rio Grande River, May 5.
On May 2, agents encountered a husband and wife from Angola who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River approximately one mile west of the Del Rio International Bridge. The couple informed agents that their two boys, 7 and 9 years old, were swept away by strong river currents while attempting to cross into the United States. A Del Rio Station Boat Patrol unit was deployed to the area where the incident occurred in an attempt to locate the children. Del Rio Sector’s Foreign Operations Branch contacted the law enforcement counterparts in Mexico for coordinated assistance.
The mother and father were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and processed as per CBP guidelines.
On May 5, a body of a child matching the family’s description was found near the riverbank on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande, by Mexican authorities. Efforts are still ongoing to locate the second child.
223. Calixto Rojas
Age: 53
Nationality: Nicaraguan
Cause of Death: Drowning (assumed)
Incident Date: May 1st, 2022
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
Calixto Rojas, of Nicaragua, drowned in the Rio Grande after he was seen struggling to stay afloat as the Rio Grande's current picked up strength between Piedras Negras, Coahuila, and Eagle Pass, Texas. He was swept down the international waterway and his body found near an islet further down the river.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10776183/Nicaraguan-immigrant-drowns-Rio-Grande.html
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/body-missing-child-found-rio-grande
222. Jose Manuel Saldana Rocha
Age: 19
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 23rd, 2022
Incident Location: El Cajon, California
A driver being pursued by Border Patrol was killed when his car crashed off Interstate 8 in El Cajon Saturday, the California Highway Patrol said. The crash happened about 3 p.m. on the westbound freeway near the Mollison Avenue exit, the CHP said. Witnesses estimated the 2017 Infiniti sedan was going more than 100 mph on the right shoulder while it was being pursued, according to CHP. The Infiniti lost control, flew off the freeway and went down an embankment, crashing into a tree, according to CHP and video of the wreckage from OnScene TV.The driver, a 19-year-old man, sustained major injuries and died at the scene, CHP said. His name was not released.The Highway Patrol, which is investigating the crash, said it was still working to determine why the driver was being pursued. A Border Patrol spokesperson deferred all questions to CHP.
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-04-23/border-patrol-pursuit
- https://inewsource.org/2023/09/26/border-patrol-deadly-car-chase-raises-questions/
221. Angel C. Acosta
Age: 27
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 15th, 2022
Incident Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
On April 15, 2022, at approximately 4:11 a.m., a Border Patrol agent assigned to the primary inspection booth at the Las Cruces, N.M. Border Patrol checkpoint observed a vehicle approach the checkpoint, located at mile marker 120.5 on Interstate 10 west near Las Cruces, N.M. The agent observed the suspect vehicle pull off the road and park near the license plate readers, approximately five hundred feet from the checkpoint’s primary inspection booth. The agent notified two other agents inside the inspection building of the suspect vehicle via the checkpoint’s intercom system.
The driver of the suspect vehicle remained parked for approximately two minutes. The primary agent then observed the suspect vehicle turning around and he immediately advised the two other agents. The agents left the inspection building and entered a marked Border Patrol vehicle. They saw the suspect vehicle heading east onto the ramp toward I-10. As the agents approached I-10 in the Border Patrol vehicle, they observed the taillights of the suspect vehicle driving in the westbound lanes against traffic.
Shortly after the agents observed the suspect vehicle driving against traffic, they activated their emergency equipment and entered the median between the east and westbound lanes to catch up to the suspect vehicle. The agents were not able to get to the suspect vehicle due to the rough conditions of the median. The agents then activated their emergency siren to get the driver’s attention. A short time later, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle. The collision sent the subject vehicle into the median between the east and west bound lanes, where it came to a stop. The other vehicle crossed the westbound lanes, stopped on the north shoulder, and caught fire.
The agents arrived at the location of the accident and parked their Border Patrol vehicle across the west bound lanes of I-10 to control the flow of traffic. One agent ran to the other vehicle and observed the driver to be seriously injured and lifeless underneath the deployed airbags. However, with the vehicle catching fire, he was unable to render aid or remove the driver from the vehicle. Another agent approached the suspect vehicle, and upon his arrival saw the driver was partially ejected from the vehicle and unresponsive. The agent broke the rear window and determined there were no other passengers in the vehicle. The agents requested New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services to respond to the scene.
Dona Ana County Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire. New Mexico State Police arrived at the scene and closed the I-10 westbound lanes to initiate their investigation. New Mexico State Police investigators determined the lack of skid marks from the vehicles indicated that neither vehicle braked prior to impact. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator arrived on the scene and declared both drivers deceased.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/man-dies-following-border-patrol-pursuit-suspect
- https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2022/04/15/two-dead-crash-west-las-cruces-10-westbound-closed/7337132001/
220. Victor Mendoza
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 15th, 2022
Incident Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
On April 15, 2022, at approximately 4:11 a.m., a Border Patrol agent assigned to the primary inspection booth at the Las Cruces, N.M. Border Patrol checkpoint observed a vehicle approach the checkpoint, located at mile marker 120.5 on Interstate 10 west near Las Cruces, N.M. The agent observed the suspect vehicle pull off the road and park near the license plate readers, approximately five hundred feet from the checkpoint’s primary inspection booth. The agent notified two other agents inside the inspection building of the suspect vehicle via the checkpoint’s intercom system.
The driver of the suspect vehicle remained parked for approximately two minutes. The primary agent then observed the suspect vehicle turning around and he immediately advised the two other agents. The agents left the inspection building and entered a marked Border Patrol vehicle. They saw the suspect vehicle heading east onto the ramp toward I-10. As the agents approached I-10 in the Border Patrol vehicle, they observed the taillights of the suspect vehicle driving in the westbound lanes against traffic.
Shortly after the agents observed the suspect vehicle driving against traffic, they activated their emergency equipment and entered the median between the east and westbound lanes to catch up to the suspect vehicle. The agents were not able to get to the suspect vehicle due to the rough conditions of the median. The agents then activated their emergency siren to get the driver’s attention. A short time later, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle. The collision sent the subject vehicle into the median between the east and west bound lanes, where it came to a stop. The other vehicle crossed the westbound lanes, stopped on the north shoulder, and caught fire.
The agents arrived at the location of the accident and parked their Border Patrol vehicle across the west bound lanes of I-10 to control the flow of traffic. One agent ran to the other vehicle and observed the driver to be seriously injured and lifeless underneath the deployed airbags. However, with the vehicle catching fire, he was unable to render aid or remove the driver from the vehicle. Another agent approached the suspect vehicle, and upon his arrival saw the driver was partially ejected from the vehicle and unresponsive. The agent broke the rear window and determined there were no other passengers in the vehicle. The agents requested New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services to respond to the scene.
Dona Ana County Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire. New Mexico State Police arrived at the scene and closed the I-10 westbound lanes to initiate their investigation. New Mexico State Police investigators determined the lack of skid marks from the vehicles indicated that neither vehicle braked prior to impact. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator arrived on the scene and declared both drivers deceased.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/man-dies-following-border-patrol-pursuit-suspect
- https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2022/04/15/two-dead-crash-west-las-cruces-10-westbound-closed/7337132001/
219. Unknown
Age: 24
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 15th, 2022
Incident Location: San Manuel, Texas
On April 15, 2022, at approximately 7:46 p.m., a Border Patrol agent was parked in the median of Highway 281 north of San Manuel, Texas, when he observed a white pickup truck suspected of human smuggling. The agent followed the truck while requesting records checks. At approximately 7:47 p.m., the agent activated the vehicle’s overhead emergency lights and siren. The driver of the truck failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
The truck traveled a short distance then crossed the median of Highway 281 and continued traveling southbound. The agent notified a Supervisory Border Patrol agent of the pursuit and reported the vehicle was traveling at approximately 75 miles per hour.
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper witnessed the subsequent pursuit and at approximately 7:50 p.m., the trooper took over as primary in the pursuit near Highway 281 and El Rucio Road.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., after being pursued for approximately 14 and a half miles, the truck exited Highway 281 and continued eastbound in an attempt to elude law enforcement. The agent reported that he could no longer see the truck, but was able to see the Texas DPS vehicle’s emergency lights.
At approximately 7:58 p.m., the agent reported seeing the trooper’s brake lights and less than a minute later, the agent arrived at an intersection where he observed that the truck was involved in a single-vehicle collision.
The driver of the vehicle, a 50-year-old United States citizen, and one of the vehicle’s occupants, a 24-year-old female Honduran citizen, were fatally injured as a result of the collision.
Six additional occupants, including one United States citizen, and five undocumented migrants, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
- https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/04/16/2-dead-multiple-injuries-in-crash-following-border-patrol-chase/
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/smuggling-incident-results-fatal-crash-north-san-manuel-texas
218. Ramon Garcia
Age: 50
Nationality: U.S Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 15th, 2022
Incident Location: San Manuel, Texas
On April 15, 2022, at approximately 7:46 p.m., a Border Patrol agent was parked in the median of Highway 281 north of San Manuel, Texas, when he observed a white pickup truck suspected of human smuggling. The agent followed the truck while requesting records checks. At approximately 7:47 p.m., the agent activated the vehicle’s overhead emergency lights and siren. The driver of the truck failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
The truck traveled a short distance then crossed the median of Highway 281 and continued traveling southbound. The agent notified a Supervisory Border Patrol agent of the pursuit and reported the vehicle was traveling at approximately 75 miles per hour.
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper witnessed the subsequent pursuit and at approximately 7:50 p.m., the trooper took over as primary in the pursuit near Highway 281 and El Rucio Road.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., after being pursued for approximately 14 and a half miles, the truck exited Highway 281 and continued eastbound in an attempt to elude law enforcement. The agent reported that he could no longer see the truck, but was able to see the Texas DPS vehicle’s emergency lights.
At approximately 7:58 p.m., the agent reported seeing the trooper’s brake lights and less than a minute later, the agent arrived at an intersection where he observed that the truck was involved in a single-vehicle collision.
The driver of the vehicle, a 50-year-old United States citizen, and one of the vehicle’s occupants, a 24-year-old female Honduran citizen, were fatally injured as a result of the collision.
Six additional occupants, including one United States citizen, and five undocumented migrants, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
- https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/04/16/2-dead-multiple-injuries-in-crash-following-border-patrol-chase/
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/smuggling-incident-results-fatal-crash-north-san-manuel-texas
217. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 13th, 2022
Incident Location: Texas
Release Date: April 29, 2022
On April 13, 2022, at approximately 9:01 a.m., a vehicle circumvented the Laredo North Border Patrol checkpoint. A Border Patrol agent observed the vehicle driving northbound on the west access road and the agent drove behind the vehicle in an attempt to conduct a record query on the license plate. The driver of the vehicle accelerated and merged northbound. The agent activated his USBP vehicle’s overhead lights and sirens to conduct a traffic stop but the driver of the Honda vehicle failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The agent notified a supervisor of the pursuit and reported the vehicle was traveling at approximately 100 mph. The pursuing agent broadcasted road and traffic conditions and asked dispatch to request assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Encinal Police Department.
At approximately 9:08 a.m., a Texas DPS vehicle joined the Border Patrol agent in the pursuit. The vehicle exited the highway and continued driving eastbound on Texas Highway 44. Shortly thereafter a Border Patrol agent allowed Texas DPS and EPD to take lead roles in the pursuit for approximately 40 miles. At approximately 9:29 a.m., as EPD was the lead pursuit vehicle, the driver of the Honda Civic lost control of the vehicle and crashed. EPD, Texas DPS, and the Border Patrol arrived and rendered aid to four injured occupants of the vehicle. The agent immediately requested emergency medical services and requested air evacuation support.
At approximately 9:44 a.m., Methodist Air Care Evac 2, Methodist Air Care Evac 93 and the Duvall County EMS arrived at the scene. Methodist Air Care Evac 2 transported an injured woman to the Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. A short time later, Methodist Air Care Evac 93 transported an injured man to the University Hospital in San Antonio. Duvall EMS transported the male driver to a helicopter landing pad in Freer, Texas and was subsequently air lifted to Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. USBP did not attempt to identify the injured occupants of the vehicle nor establish hospital watch.
An unidentified woman was declared deceased at the scene by EMS personnel. Texas DPS assumed lead of the accident investigation and initiated a criminal investigation against the driver of the Honda Civic.
216. Unknown
Age: 45
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: March 19th 2022
Incident Location: La Pryor, Texas
On March 19, 2022, at approximately 7:54 a.m. CST, personnel at the U.S. Border Patrol’s Uvalde Station were notified by the Del Rio Border Intelligence Center of a 911 call placed by a 45-year-old undocumented Mexican migrant who indicated he was in medical distress and could no longer walk. The Border Intelligence Center was able to obtain coordinates during a telephone call with the man which placed him in a remote area approximately 18 miles west of La Pryor, Texas. A Border Patrol Agent responded to the area and began to search for him.The Border Patrol Agent located the man alone in a densely vegetated and secluded area at approximately 10:05 a.m. and transported him approximately 42.3 miles to the Uvalde Border Patrol Station for evaluation by CBP contracted medical personnel. The medical provider evaluated the man at approximately 11:51 a.m. and noted he complained about stomach pain and not having food nor water for several days. The medical provider determined his vitals were good and provided him with Pedialyte for his dehydration. CBP-contracted medical personnel monitored him and cleared him for travel once he said he felt better.A Border Patrol Agent transported the man at approximately 12:48 p.m. to the Uvalde Border Patrol checkpoint for further processing and detention. The man again complained of stomach pain while at the checkpoint, and a Border Patrol Agent/Emergency Medical Technician was requested. The EMT arrived a short time later and observed the man lying on the floor in the holding cell. Border Patrol Agents assisted him onto a bench where the EMT evaluated him and determined he needed additional medical assistance. Based on his current condition, the EMT decided to transport the man to the Uvalde Memorial Hospital in his Border Patrol vehicle instead of waiting for Uvalde Emergency Medical Services.The EMT arrived with the man at approximately 2:04 p.m. at Uvalde Memorial Hospital where medical personnel evaluated, stabilized and placed him on a ventilator. Medical personnel decided to transfer the man due to his condition to an advanced care facility at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.The man was transported at approximately 4:30 p.m. to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital by a Uvalde Medical Services ambulance. The ambulance arrived at approximately 6:08 p.m. and the man was admitted into Metropolitan Methodist Hospital’s Medical Intensive Care Unit under CBP watch.The man succumbed to his ailments and was declared deceased by Metropolitan Methodist Hospital medical personnel on March 20, 2022, at approximately 9:48 a.m.
215. Unknown
Age: 4 years old
Nationality: Nicaragua
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: March 10th 2022
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Eagle Pass South Station Marine Unit located a deceased individual in the Rio Grande March 10.Upon further investigation, the individual matched the description of a four-year-old child reported missing March 4.On March 4, a group of migrants was encountered by Texas National Guard soldiers near Eagle Pass. When agents responded, they were informed that a Nicaraguan women stated she had dropped her child in the river and was swept away. Border Patrol agents and air support searched the area but could not find the missing child. The child’s body was located by Marine Unit agents on the morning of March 10.
214. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: March 7th 2022
Incident Location: Amado, Arizona
On March 7, 2022, at approximately 11:07 p.m. MST, a Border Patrol camera operator observed a group of suspected undocumented migrants load into a vehicle on Interstate 19’s East Frontage Road, near Amado, Ariz. in the vicinity of kilometer post 42. This area is two-tenths of a mile south of Amado Mantosa Road and approximately 26 miles north of the Nogales Port of Entry. The camera operator alerted Border Patrol agents of the location via radio.A Border Patrol agent, driving an unmarked F150 pickup truck equipped for canine duty, responded to the area and observed a Blue Honda Ridgeline pickup truck pass him going northbound on East Frontage Road. As the vehicle passed him, the Border Patrol agent observed multiple people in the rear passenger area. Suspecting this was the vehicle identified by the camera operator, the Border Patrol agent caught up to the vehicle and attempted to perform a vehicle stop. The driver of the pickup truck failed to yield to the Border Patrol agent’s emergency equipment and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuing Border Patrol agent requested assistance from Border Patrol agents in the area, and asked dispatch to notify air assets, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Tucson Station Border Patrol agents. Two additional Border Patrol vehicles immediately responded. At approximately 11:10 p.m. MST, the driver of the pickup lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle collided with a tree and rolled over, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. Border Patrol agents immediately rendered assistance and requested Emergency Medical Services from the surrounding areas.The driver, a male United States Citizen, and one of the passengers, a male Mexican Citizen, were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining five occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz.The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner determined that both decedents died as a result of blunt force trauma.
213. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: March 7th 2022
Incident Location: Amado, Arizona
On March 7, 2022, at approximately 11:07 p.m. MST, a Border Patrol camera operator observed a group of suspected undocumented migrants load into a vehicle on Interstate 19’s East Frontage Road, near Amado, Ariz. in the vicinity of kilometer post 42. This area is two-tenths of a mile south of Amado Mantosa Road and approximately 26 miles north of the Nogales Port of Entry. The camera operator alerted Border Patrol agents of the location via radio.A Border Patrol agent, driving an unmarked F150 pickup truck equipped for canine duty, responded to the area and observed a Blue Honda Ridgeline pickup truck pass him going northbound on East Frontage Road. As the vehicle passed him, the Border Patrol agent observed multiple people in the rear passenger area. Suspecting this was the vehicle identified by the camera operator, the Border Patrol agent caught up to the vehicle and attempted to perform a vehicle stop. The driver of the pickup truck failed to yield to the Border Patrol agent’s emergency equipment and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuing Border Patrol agent requested assistance from Border Patrol agents in the area, and asked dispatch to notify air assets, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Tucson Station Border Patrol agents. Two additional Border Patrol vehicles immediately responded. At approximately 11:10 p.m. MST, the driver of the pickup lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle collided with a tree and rolled over, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. Border Patrol agents immediately rendered assistance and requested Emergency Medical Services from the surrounding areas.The driver, a male United States Citizen, and one of the passengers, a male Mexican Citizen, were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining five occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz.The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner determined that both decedents died as a result of blunt force trauma.
212. Carmelo Cruz-Marcos
Age: 32
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: February 19th 2022
Incident Location: Douglas AZ
On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) disclosed that a migrant was killed by a Border Patrol agent near Douglas, Arizona. The CCSO removed that statement in subsequent press releases, stating instead that the migrant was seriously injured and succumbed to his injuries. When asked about the removal, “the public information officer explained that it had not been reviewed by the proper channels,” raising questions about the change in narrative and who influenced it, including CBP and Border Patrol Critical Incident Teams (BPCITs).
211. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Haiti
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: February 11, 2022
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
On Jan. 20, 2022, a Border Patrol agent apprehended a group of 16 undocumented migrants, including a male citizen of Haiti, approximately two miles northwest of the San Luis Port of Entry. The group was transported to the Yuma Sector Centralized Processing Center (CPC). At approximately 4:01 p.m., the man arrived at the CPC.
At approximately 7:22 p.m., a Customs and Border Protection-contracted medical provider conducted a medical assessment of the man. With the assistance of a Haitian Creole interpreter, the man stated he had not eaten well for the past five months, he could not tolerate smells, and he was experiencing abdominal pain. The medical provider gave the man an electrolyte drink and observed his vitals improve. Medical personnel continued to monitor the man.
At approximately 9:01 p.m., with an interpreter, the man advised medical personnel he was unable to eat, was suffering from muscle pain, abdominal pain, and fatigue. A CBP-contracted medical provider recommended the man be taken to the hospital for further medical attention. A Border Patrol agent transported the man to the Yuma Regional Medical Center.
On Jan. 21, 2022, the man was admitted into Yuma Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. The man remained at the medical center for five days receiving medical attention for cholecystitis and COVID-19, while under CBP hospital watch.
On Jan. 26, 2022, at approximately 9:28 a.m., the man was released from Yuma Regional Medical Center and was transported back to the Central Processing Center where CBP-contracted medical personnel continued to monitor him.
On Jan. 27, 2022, at approximately 12:24 p.m., a CBP-contracted medical provider evaluated the man and provided him medication for upper respiratory congestion and fever.
On Jan.28, 2022, a CBP-contracted medical provider evaluated the man and noted he was experiencing chills, fever, and nausea. The medical provider recommended the man be taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
On Jan. 28, 2022, at approximately 6:17 p.m., medical personnel recommended the man be taken to the hospital and a Border Patrol Agent transported him to the hospital.
The man was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 29, 2022, at approximately 3:51 a.m. He remained at the hospital while he received medical treatment for COVID-19, pneumonia, and cholecystitis.
On Jan. 29, 2022, the man was issued a Notice to Appear/Own Recognizance and was released from CBP custody while he was at Yuma Regional Medical Center.
On Feb. 2, 2022, at approximately 5:03 p.m., the man succumbed to his illness and was declared deceased by Yuma Regional Medical Center medical personnel.
On Feb. 8, 2022, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility received notification of the man’s death, approximately six days after his death as he was released from CBP custody more than a week earlier. Documents gathered by CBP Office of Professional Responsibility special agents indicated the man, while at the Central Processing Center, was seen by CBP-contracted medical personnel on five occasions.
On Feb. 9, 2022, Office of Professional Responsibility special agents received the medical examiner’s report. The report indicated the cause of death was determined to be acute respiratory distress syndrome, due to pneumonia and COVID-19.
210. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: February 1, 2022
Incident Location: All American Canal (Calexico POE)
On Feb. 1, 2022, at approximately 3:17 p.m. PST, a Border Patrol remote camera operator spotted three individuals cross the border barrier and enter the All-American Canal, approximately two-tenths of a mile east of the Calexico East Port of Entry in Calexico, Calif. The camera operator relayed the information via radio to a Border Patrol agent who responded to the area.The camera operator informed the Border Patrol agent that one of the suspected undocumented individuals exited the water on the north side of the canal, one was standing on the bank on the south side of the canal, and one was in the water in the center of the canal. Approximately 23 seconds later, the camera operator reported that the individual in the middle of the canal was not advancing and that he was not sure if the individual was struggling. Approximately 15 seconds later, the individual on the north side of the canal fled north as the Border Patrol agent arrived. The Border Patrol agent observed the individual in the middle of the canal, noted that he did not appear to be in distress, so he proceeded to apprehend the migrant who ran north. During this time, the individual on the south bank of the canal returned to Mexico. After the apprehension, and approximately 55 seconds after he arrived in the area, the Border Patrol agent asked the camera operator about the condition of the man in the middle of the canal and inquired if he was still struggling. The camera operator replied that he was not sure if the individual was struggling and would need to zoom the camera to get a better look. After doing so, the camera operator relayed that the migrant in the middle of the canal appeared to be struggling to stay afloat. Within seconds, the Border Patrol agent returned to the canal bank to help the migrant. As the Border Patrol agent arrived, he asked the migrant if he needed help, to which the migrant responded “yes.” Before the Border Patrol agent was able to deploy a rescue device, the migrant sank below the surface of the water. The Border Patrol agent threw a flotation device to the area where the migrant was last seen, but the migrant never resurfaced. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents reviewed radio traffic and video footage of the incident and interviewed the apprehended migrant. The apprehended migrant stated that he did not know the migrant who drowned, that they had only met prior to crossing the border barrier, and that he saw the Border Patrol agent throw a flotation device to the migrant in the water.
Due to the dangerous conditions posed by the canal’s current, recovery efforts were delayed. On the morning of Feb. 2, 2022, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue divers located the body of an adult male citizen of Mexico.
209. Jesus Adrian Alvaro
Age: 22
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: February 1, 2022
Incident Location: Texas
On Feb. 1, 2022, at approximately 9 p.m. a Border Patrol agent working at a predesignated observation location approximately 35 miles north of McAllen, Texas, spotted a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 281. The Border Patrol agent observed people laying in the bed of the truck and the agent radioed the information to other Border Patrol agents working highway operations further north on U.S. Highway 281. The Silverado passed by the Border Patrol agents, who were in two separate marked Border Patrol vehicles near mile marker 750 on Highway 281. Both Border Patrol agents followed the Silverado and activated their emergency equipment. The driver failed to yield, continuing for approximately three-quarters of a mile before coming to a stop in the median near mile post 748. Multiple people exited the vehicle and attempted to flee from the area. One of the vehicle’s occupants, later identified as a 22-year-old male United States citizen, was struck by a passing vehicle as he crossed the southbound lanes of Highway 281. Border Patrol agents immediately began CPR and requested Emergency Medical Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, and an air ambulance. Approximately 40 minutes later, Hidalgo County EMS arrived at the scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Despite the efforts of the Border Patrol agents and Hidalgo County EMS, Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace declared him deceased at the scene.
- US citizen struck and killed by vehicle following failure to yield incident north of McAllen, Texas | US Customs and Border Protection
- https://myrgv.com/featured/2022/02/02/mission-man-killed-during-overnight-chase/
208. Unknown
Age: 7 years old
Nationality: Venezuelan
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: January 18 2022
Incident Location: Rio Grande River (Mexican Side)
Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Del Rio Station were notified that a child was lost while attempting to cross the Rio Grande River, Jan. 18. Agents were informed by a Venezuelan woman that her child was swept away by the current. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Del Rio Station Boat Patrol Unit were deployed to the area where the incident occurred, in an attempt to locate the child. Border Patrol also contacted law enforcement counterparts in Mexico. The body of a child matching the mother’s description was found along the riverbank on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande, by Mexican authorities. The mother was notified and confirmed it was her 7-year-old daughter, also a Venezuelan national. The mother was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and processed as per CBP guidelines.
207. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: January 7 2022
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector recovered a drowning victim, Jan. 7. Late Friday evening, agents from the Eagle Pass South Station responded to a call for assistance from Texas National Guard (TNG) soldiers. Agents were informed that two individuals ran into a nearby gravel pit, which was full of water, and one did not resurface. TNG told agents that the two individuals were part of a larger group observed running away from the soldiers. Del Rio Border Patrol agents and the Eagle Pass Fire Department quickly responded to assist with the rescue. One man was located on the edge of the gravel pit in need of medical attention. Emergency Medical Services were contacted, and the man was transported to a local hospital. The second subject never resurfaced, and the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) Dive Team was called to assist. The team recovered the body of a male subject from the gravel pit Saturday morning.
2021
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206. Unknown
Age: 52
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: December 25, 2021
Incident Location: Jamul, CA
On Dec. 25, 2021, at approximately 5:59 p.m., National Guard personnel operating a mobile surveillance platform observed a suspicious vehicle, later confirmed to be a black Honda Accord Sport, drive southbound on Miniwawa Truck Trail near Jamul, Calif., approximately six-and-a-half miles north of the U.S./Mexico border.Approximately ten minutes later, the camera operator observed the vehicle returning northbound on Miniwawa Truck Trail at a high rate of speed and advised Border Patrol agents via radio. Border Patrol agents assigned to the area responded to the location. At approximately 6:02 p.m., a Border Patrol agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle, attempted to perform a vehicle stop near the Pio Pico campground by activating his overhead lights. The driver of the Honda Accord stopped momentarily, then fled and drove through a nearby trailer park within the campground. Another Border Patrol agent in a marked Border
and rendered aid to the ejected occupants lying on the ground. A short time later, CalFire Department medical personnel, California Highway Patrol, and Mercy Paramedics arrived on the scene. One occupant, a citizen of Mexico, suffered head trauma and was later declared deceased on the scene by a medical examiner.EMS transported the driver and one passenger to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego and the other passenger was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego.
- CBP statement on death of man after he was ejected from a vehicle following failure to yield near Jamul, California | US Customs and Border Protection
- https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/1-dead-3-injured-after-border-patrol-pursuit-ends-in-crash/2825007/
205. Faustino Cabrera Cardoso
Age: 48
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: December 3, 2021
Incident Location: La Gloria, TX
The following statement pertains to a death that occurred on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, near La Gloria, Texas. This information is based on a preliminary review by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
On the morning of Dec. 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents were traveling eastbound in two separate vehicles on Farm to Market Road 755 near Encino, Texas, approximately 51 miles north of the U.S./Mexico Border. As the Border Patrol agents approached the intersection of FM 755 and U.S. Highway 281, they spotted multiple suspected undocumented migrants exiting a gray Ford F-150 pickup. As they approached, the F-150 left the area traveling westbound on FM 755 at a high rate of speed. The Border Patrol agents turned around to catch up to the vehicle. Approximately 3.5 miles west of the intersection of FM 755 and Hwy 281, the Border Patrol agents activated their emergency lights and the F-150 failed to yield.
As the Border Patrol agents pursued the F-150, Border Patrol Sector Communications notified the Texas Department of Public Safety of the pursuit. As the vehicle approached the intersection of FM 755 and FM 1017, the pursuing Border Patrol agents slowed down and a Texas DPS officer, who was accompanied by two Border Patrol agents, deployed a Vehicle Immobilization Device. The F-150 attempted to circumvent the VID, left the roadway, struck solar panels, rolled, and came to rest on its side and facing the opposite direction. The driver of the F-150 fled from the collision but was apprehended.
An occupant of the F-150, a male citizen of Mexico, was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled over. A Border Patrol agent Emergency Medical Technician provided aid and performed CPR on the man. Border Patrol agents requested Emergency Medical Services and an air ambulance which could not respond due to weather. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Starr County Justice of the Peace.
The driver of the vehicle was booked into Starr County Jail and is being charged with evading arrest resulting in death.
This incident is being investigated by TX DPS and is being reviewed by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Starr County Justice of the Peace. The Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, is investigating the smuggling event. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified.
204. Unknown
Age: 4 Years Old
Nationality: Honduras
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: November 21, 2021
Incident Location: La Joya, TX
On Nov. 21, 2021, at approximately 1:53 p.m., a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent encountered a group of twelve migrants approximately one mile south of La Joya, Texas. The migrants were walking along an unimproved roadway and turned themselves in to the SBPA. Upon initial contact with the SBPA, one of the female migrants immediately requested medical assistance for her son, a four-year-old male citizen of Honduras. The woman, also traveling with her five-year-old son, told the SBPA that her four-year-old son was sick and having difficulty breathing. The SBPA, a certified Emergency Medical Technician, assessed the child who was handed to him by the mother.
The SBPA observed the child did not appear to have a fever, but noticed the boy having difficulty breathing. The SBPA asked the mother how long her son had been sick, and the mother replied he had been sick for a couple of weeks and had a history of renal failure. Utilizing a stethoscope to listen to the boy’s breathing, the SBPA could hear crackling and wheezing, and noted he could have fluid in his lungs and possibly have pneumonia.
The SBPA called for assistance to transport the group from the remote area to a nearby park where he could safely conduct a full assessment of the boy’s medical condition. Another Border Patrol agent met with the SBPA and assisted with transporting the group of migrants to the park. Upon arrival at the park, the SBPA conducted a further medical assessment. The boy exhibited signs of respiratory distress and was going in and out of consciousness. At approximately 2:28 p.m., the SBPA requested Emergency Medical Services for the boy. Additionally, the SBPA requested a paramedic-certified Border Patrol agent respond to the scene as they would be authorized to administer medicines to the boy if needed. The SBPA began to administer oxygen to the boy via a mask while awaiting further assistance. The oxygen had an immediate effect and the boy’s condition improved.
Within several minutes of administering the oxygen, the Border Patrol agent-Paramedic arrived to assist. The Border Patrol agent-Paramedic immediately administered liquid albuterol via a nebulizer to the boy to relax and open the air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier. Within four to five minutes of receiving the medication, the boy became alert and showed signs of improvement. The boy began to talk to his mother and asked for food and water. The agents continued to monitor and care for the boy while awaiting EMS arrival.
Approximately twenty minutes after the 911 call, Med Care EMS arrived and took over medical care. At approximately 3:08 p.m., EMS transported the boy, along with his mother and sibling to the Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas, arriving at approximately 3:29 p.m..
At approximately 9:02 p.m., the boy was transferred by EMS to Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance due to the lack of bed space at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. At approximately 9:35 p.m., the boy was admitted into the facility and received medical treatment while under hospital watch by Customs and Border Protection. At approximately 3:49 a.m., on Nov. 22, 2021, the boy succumbed to his ailments and was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
On Nov. 23, 2021, a forensic pathologist performed an autopsy on the child. The preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was pneumonia and acute respiratory failure and the manner of death was natural. The Hidalgo County Medical Examiner’s Office and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
203. Unknown
Age: 17 days old
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: November 20, 2021
Incident Location: McAllen, TX
On Nov. 20, 2021 at approximately 7:15 p.m., a Border Patrol Agent assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in McAllen, Texas, encountered a group of five migrants near the McAllen-Hidalgo Port of Entry at a location known as the “Store Road Gap”. The migrants turned themselves in to the Border Patrol agent after crossing the Rio Grande River. The Border Patrol agent started the initial field intake process of the migrants which consisted of asking for documents and providing the migrants a bag in which to place their belongings. None of the migrants requested medical attention at the time they approached the Border Patrol agent. Upon completing the intake process for the first five migrants, another group of at least ten migrants turned themselves in to the Border Patrol agent, who then began the intake process for them.
Approximately twenty minutes later, while processing the second group, the Border Patrol agent observed one of the migrants from the first group, a fifteen-year-old female citizen of Honduras, unwrapping her baby from a blanket and attempting to wake the baby. The Border Patrol agent asked the female if anything was wrong, and the female told the Border Patrol agent her baby was sick with a cough. The Border Patrol agent continued with processing the second group when she observed the female was still checking on the baby and was talking to another female from her group who was also checking the baby. The Border Patrol agent once again asked the female what was wrong and if the baby was okay and the female responded she was checking to see if her baby was breathing. The Border Patrol agent approached the female and observed the baby was wrapped in two blankets and was dressed in a onesie and was wearing a beanie.
The Border Patrol agent checked the baby’s cheek and chin which were warm, but the baby did not respond to her touch. The Border Patrol agent observed the baby’s fists were clenched and discoloration of the baby’s fingernails. The female informed the Border Patrol agent her seventeen-day-old son, a citizen of Mexico, was coughing and had not eaten all day. The Border Patrol agent immediately called a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and requested a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician; however, there were no EMTs on duty. The supervisory agent requested that another Border Patrol agent transport the mother and baby to the hospital. At approximately 7:42 p.m., due to the urgency of the situation and to ensure clear communications, another Border Patrol agent called 911 via cell phone and requested Emergency Medical Services for the baby. To ensure the baby received medical treatment as quickly as possible, the Border Patrol agent transported him and his mother in a Border Patrol vehicle approximately four-and-half miles to a convenience store located on Military Highway and 10th Street, in McAllen, Texas, to meet EMS.
At approximately 7:45 PM, the McAllen Fire Department arrived at the convenience store and attempted to resuscitate the baby. At approximately 7:50 p.m., Med Care EMS arrived at the location and joined efforts to resuscitate the baby. Med Care EMS subsequently transported the baby and his mother to the Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, TX.
At approximately 8:21 p.m., the baby arrived at Rio Grande Regional Hospital where medical personnel continued life saving measures. Approximately nineteen minutes after arriving at the hospital, the baby was declared deceased by medical personnel.
The Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility are reviewing the incident. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
202. Unknown
Age: 23 weeks along
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical/Stillborn baby
Incident Date: November 18, 2021
Incident Location: McAllen, TX
On November 18, 2021, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Weslaco, Texas, Border Patrol station apprehended two migrants, a husband and wife from Venezuela, near Progreso Lakes, Texas. At approximately 7:14 p.m., the two migrants were transported to the Hidalgo Port of Entry for initial processing. Approximately an hour and a half later, the migrants were transported to the U.S. Border Patrol Centralized Processing Center in McAllen, Texas, for further processing and detention. The woman advised U.S. Border Patrol at both locations she was six months pregnant.
On Nov. 19, 2021, at approximately 5:40 a.m., Customs and Border Protection-contracted medical personnel conducted an initial medical screening of the woman. The woman did not complain about abdominal pain during her initial screening. At approximately 8:40 a.m., a Customs and Border Protection-contracted Physician’s Assistant (PA) conducted another medical screening of the woman after she requested medication for high blood pressure. The PA noticed the woman’s blood pressure was slightly elevated and the woman told the PA she was experiencing a light discharge. The PA felt the woman’s stomach and observed there was no movement from the baby. The woman told the PA she had not felt her baby move for several days. The PA requested the woman be taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., the woman was transported to the South Texas Health Systems Emergency Room where she was evaluated by medical personnel. While at South Texas Health Systems, medical personnel were unable to find the baby’s heartbeat and recommended the woman be transported to the McAllen Medical Center. At approximately 1:07 p.m., the woman was admitted into the McAllen Medical Center, and medical personnel induced labor. At approximately 2:37 p.m., the woman delivered a child with no heartbeat and medical personnel declared the child deceased. Medical personnel estimated the child was approximately 23 weeks along.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing this incident. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
201. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: November 12, 2021
Incident Location: Sonoita, AZ
The following statement pertains to a death that occurred in Sonoita, Ariz., on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. This information is based on a preliminary review and may be corrected or updated in the future.
On Nov. 12, 2021, an Infiniti sedan, followed by a Toyota Camry, arrived at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on State Route 83, near Sonoita, Ariz. A Border Patrol Agent working the primary inspection area noticed people laying down in the backseat area of the Infiniti and referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area. The Infiniti accelerated quickly and fled the checkpoint. A Border Patrol Agent working in the secondary inspection area attempted to activate a remote Vehicle Immobilization Device to disable the vehicle’s tires. However, the remote VID failed to deploy, and the Infiniti left the checkpoint area at a high rate of speed.
As the Infiniti fled the area, the Toyota backed away from the primary inspection area, drove over the orange traffic cones into the southbound lane, and continued north circumventing the checkpoint. The Border Patrol Agent in the primary inspection area deployed a VID but was unable to determine if the VID affected the Toyota’s tires. The Toyota also continued north on SR 83 at a high rate of speed.
The Border Patrol Agent in the secondary inspection area got in his marked Border Patrol vehicle and drove north on SR 83. Approximately four miles north of the checkpoint, on a curve in the road, the Border Patrol agent found the Toyota Camry resting on its roof in the northbound lane of SR 83 perpendicular to the path of travel, facing east. The Border Patrol agent radioed for emergency medical personnel.
The Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department arrived at the scene and declared a male citizen of Mexico, and a second male, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, deceased. A third occupant of the vehicle, a female citizen of Mexico, was transported via air ambulance to the Banner University Medical Center, in Tucson, Ariz. The female migrant is in stable condition. The Infiniti was not located.
This incident is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and under review by the Pima County Medical Examiner and Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified.
200. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: November 12 2021
Incident Location: Sonoita, AZ
The following statement pertains to a death that occurred in Sonoita, Ariz., on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. This information is based on a preliminary review and may be corrected or updated in the future.
On Nov. 12, 2021, an Infiniti sedan, followed by a Toyota Camry, arrived at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on State Route 83, near Sonoita, Ariz. A Border Patrol Agent working the primary inspection area noticed people laying down in the backseat area of the Infiniti and referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area. The Infiniti accelerated quickly and fled the checkpoint. A Border Patrol Agent working in the secondary inspection area attempted to activate a remote Vehicle Immobilization Device to disable the vehicle’s tires. However, the remote VID failed to deploy, and the Infiniti left the checkpoint area at a high rate of speed.
As the Infiniti fled the area, the Toyota backed away from the primary inspection area, drove over the orange traffic cones into the southbound lane, and continued north circumventing the checkpoint. The Border Patrol Agent in the primary inspection area deployed a VID but was unable to determine if the VID affected the Toyota’s tires. The Toyota also continued north on SR 83 at a high rate of speed.
The Border Patrol Agent in the secondary inspection area got in his marked Border Patrol vehicle and drove north on SR 83. Approximately four miles north of the checkpoint, on a curve in the road, the Border Patrol agent found the Toyota Camry resting on its roof in the northbound lane of SR 83 perpendicular to the path of travel, facing east. The Border Patrol agent radioed for emergency medical personnel.
The Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department arrived at the scene and declared a male citizen of Mexico, and a second male, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, deceased. A third occupant of the vehicle, a female citizen of Mexico, was transported via air ambulance to the Banner University Medical Center, in Tucson, Ariz. The female migrant is in stable condition. The Infiniti was not located.
This incident is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and under review by the Pima County Medical Examiner and Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified.
199. Unknown
Age: 50
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: October 29, 2021
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
One person is deceased following an attempt by a large group of people to illegally enter the U.S. by swimming around the border barrier and make their way to the beach at Border Field State Park in San Diego.
On October 29, at approximately 11:38 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents received a notification of a group of possibly 70 people attempting to illegally swim across the international boundary from Tijuana into the U.S. at Border Field State Park.
An agent in the area reported several individuals in the water, and one responding agent came across a single, unresponsive woman later believed to be from the same group of swimmers. The Border Patrol agent immediately performed CPR on the woman while requesting the response of emergency medical services (EMS) including San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) firefighters and lifeguards. EMS arrived on scene and continued medical aid. At approximately 12:30 a.m., the unresponsive woman was pronounced deceased by EMS. The San Diego Medical Examiner arrived on scene and took custody.
U.S. Border Patrol, along with Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Coast Guard, SDFD, and California State Parks continued to search the area in efforts to locate any outstanding persons who may have been in distress. Border Patrol agents took a total of 36 adult Mexican nationals into custody who had swam around the border barrier, 25 men and 11 women, including 13 people the U.S. Coast Guard rescued from the water. All 36 persons were taken into custody and transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.
“This is yet another example of the ruthless tactics smuggling organizations use to bolster their power and profits,” said San Diego Sector’s Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “We will work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for this tragedy.”
All information provided is according to initial reports from the scene. Following standard procedure, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility responded to the scene to investigate the incident.
- One Fatality Following Large Group of Swimmers Entering U.S. Illegally at San Diego Border Beach
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2021-10-31/swimming-border-migrants-death
198. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Fatal Chase
Incident Date: October 28 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
A U.S. Border Patrol camera operator observed three suspected migrants walking through a flat field approximately two and a half miles northeast of the Eagle Pass, Texas, Port of Entry on Oct. 28, 2021. Five Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station responded to the area in an attempt to locate the migrants. At approximately 4:58 a.m. as the Border Patrol agents approached the migrants and turned on their flashlights, the migrants ran from the field toward some nearby thick brush attempting to evade apprehension. One migrant was apprehended, but the other two migrants ran and fell off a steep cliff that was concealed by the thick brush. Border Patrol agents immediately requested emergency medical services and made their way to the bottom of the cliff. After descending approximately 50 feet, Border Patrol agents located the two migrants who were both critically injured. Border Patrol Agents rendered aid to the migrants until the Eagle Pass Fire Department EMS arrived.
The Air Evac Lifeteam arrived on scene and airlifted one migrant to the University Hospital in San Antonio. EMS medical personnel declared the other migrant, a citizen of Honduras, deceased on the scene.
The Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility are reviewing this incident. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
197. Edward Colin Colteaux
Age: 38
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: October 11, 2021
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The death of a man who allegedly was shot by an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent in Tucson last weekend is being investigated by city police.
196. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: October 6, 2021
Incident Location: Kingsville, TX
On Oct. 6, 2021, at approximately 11:24 p.m., personnel at the U.S. Border Patrol station in Kingsville, TX, were contacted by an anonymous caller who reported an individual lying in a field who may have been bitten by a spider. The caller provided GPS coordinates for the individual’s location. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area in search of the individual. On Oct. 7, 2021, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Border Patrol Agents located an unresponsive citizen of Honduras. Border Patrol Agents immediately requested Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Services.
195. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S. LPR
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 27, 2021
Incident Location: Washington D.C.
A Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States and citizen of Bosnia arrived with his wife at the Washington-Dulles Airport Port of Entry from Vienna, Austria, on September 27. The couple was admitted into the U.S. and then selected for a random agriculture inspection. The man collapsed onto the floor during the inspection and was unresponsive. A Customs and Border Protection officer and certified EMT was dispatched to administer CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator until Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority paramedics arrived and continued lifesaving efforts. MWAA transported the man to a local hospital in Reston, Virginia, where he was declared deceased.
194. Unknown
Age: Two Months
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 20, 2021
Incident Location: Rio Grande City, TX
Border Patrol Agents assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rio Grande City, Texas, encountered a large group of migrants approximately nine and one quarter miles southeast of the Rio Grande City Port of Entry at approximately 2:30 a.m. on September 20, 2021. The migrants turned themselves in to the agents after crossing the Rio Grande River. The Border Patrol Agents escorted the group to a nearby unimproved roadway to field process the group.
193. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 20, 2021
Incident Location: Aguilares, TX
Personnel at the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo South Station were notified by Laredo Sector Communications of a 911 call placed by an undocumented migrant at about 1:00 p.m. on September 20, 2021. The undocumented migrant, a citizen of Mexico, indicated he was lost and in medical distress. During a subsequent call from the man, Border Patrol Agents were able to obtain coordinates that placed him in a remote area, approximately 10 miles southwest of Aguilares, Texas. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area and began to search for the man.
192. Heliardo Pereira Dos Santos
Age: 24
Nationality: Brazilian
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: September 18, 2021
Incident Location: Deming, NM
A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Checkpoint in Deming, N.M., reported a black Acura SUV had circumvented the checkpoint and was travelling northbound on Highway 11 at approximately 12:36 p.m. on September 18, 2021. A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the checkpoint then travelled northbound in a Border Patrol vehicle to catch up to the SUV while another Border Patrol Agent in a different Border Patrol vehicle also attempted to locate the vehicle. Border Patrol Agents located the Acura approximately six miles north of the checkpoint and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop near Mile Marker 19. The vehicle did not stop and continued for approximately a half mile until the driver lost control and crashed. Multiple occupants were ejected from the vehicle, which caught on fire. Border Patrol Agents immediately requested emergency medical services, removed the four remaining occupants from the burning vehicle and rendered aid.
UPDATE: A second occupant of the Acura, a citizen of Brazil, succumbed to his injuries on September 27, 2021. The man was declared deceased by hospital personnel in El Paso, TX., where he had been treated since September 18, 2021.
191. Norma Naemi Lerma-Lara
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Crash
Incident Date: September 18, 2021
Incident Location: Deming, NM
A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Checkpoint in Deming, N.M., reported a black Acura SUV had circumvented the checkpoint and was travelling northbound on Highway 11 at approximately 12:36 p.m. on September 18, 2021. A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the checkpoint then travelled northbound in a Border Patrol vehicle to catch up to the SUV while another Border Patrol Agent in a different Border Patrol vehicle also attempted to locate the vehicle. Border Patrol Agents located the Acura approximately six miles north of the checkpoint and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop near Mile Marker 19. The vehicle did not stop and continued for approximately a half mile until the driver lost control and crashed. Multiple occupants were ejected from the vehicle, which caught on fire. Border Patrol Agents immediately requested emergency medical services, removed the four remaining occupants from the burning vehicle and rendered aid.
UPDATE: A second occupant of the Acura, a citizen of Brazil, succumbed to his injuries on September 27, 2021. The man was declared deceased by hospital personnel in El Paso, TX., where he had been treated since September 18, 2021.
190. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: September 9, 2021
Incident Location: Columbus, NM
On September 9, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Deming Station was notified of a 911 call from an individual stating he and another individual, who was in medical distress, were lost in the desert. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) responded to the GPS coordinates obtained by the 911 telephone call and located the undocumented migrant who placed the call approximately eight and half miles northeast of the Port of Entry in Columbus, N.M. BPAs were then led to another undocumented migrant, a male citizen of Mexico, who was in severe medical distress. Agents immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS). On September 13, 2021, the man succumbed to his ailments and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.
189. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Chase
Incident Date: September 3, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On the morning of September 3, 2021, at approximately 6:00 AM, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) assigned to the Laredo South U.S. Border Patrol Station (USBP) in Laredo, TX, apprehended four undocumented migrants (UDMs) near the Rio Grande River approximately one and a half miles southeast of the Laredo Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry. The BPA, working alone, handcuffed all four migrants to each other using three pairs of handcuffs. As the BPA assisted the migrants through a barbed wire fence en route to a Border Patrol vehicle, a female migrant slipped her hand from the handcuff and ran towards the Rio Grande River. The woman ran approximately 50 feet and subsequently fell from a 20-foot cliff in the darkness. Upon landing, the woman’s head struck a log near the river’s edge. The BPA requested emergency medical services (EMS) and secured the other three migrants in his vehicle.
188. Yairet Zuleima Nunez
Age: 23
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Accident
Incident Date: September 2, 2021
Incident Location: Van Horn, TX
On September 2, 2021, at approximately 9:50 p.m., a U.S. Border Patrol Agent responded to a report of a group of twelve suspected undocumented migrants walking in the desert south of Interstate 10 near Van Horn, Texas. BPAs responded and attempted to track the group as they walked in a northerly direction towards I-10. Approximately one hour after the initial report, BPAs located the group as they emerged from the brush and crossed a fence line, at which point, agents began pursuing the group on foot as they approached I-10. As the migrants crossed I-10, one of the migrants, a citizen of Mexico, was struck by a vehicle traveling in the eastbound lanes of I-10, as she attempted to run across the roadway.
187. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 27, 2021
Incident Location: Sullivan City, TX
On August 27, 2021, at approximately 6:30 PM, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rio Grande City, TX, responded to a report of suspected undocumented migrants in a rural area approximately two miles west of Sullivan City, TX, and two miles north of the Rio Grande River. BPAs arrived in the area and observed numerous suspected undocumented migrants running north across Highway 83. A BPA began looking for undocumented migrants on the south side of Highway 83 and discovered an unresponsive man in medical distress. The BPA immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS). A short time later, BPAs apprehended two migrants on the south side of Highway 83, approximately 250 yards north from where the unresponsive man was found, and three more migrants on the north side of Highway 83.
186. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 25, 2021
Incident Location: Falfurrias, TX
On August 25, 2021, a Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) Trooper was patrolling near County Road 214 (CO 214), approximately two miles west of Falfurrias, TX. The TX DPS Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield. The TX DPS Trooper pursued the vehicle southbound on Highway 281 and was joined by the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). The BCSO subsequently requested assistance from the United States Border Patrol (USBP). Approximately four miles south of Falfurrias, TX, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) assigned to the Falfurrias USBP Station joined TX DPS in the pursuit of a black Chevrolet Silverado. During the pursuit, TX DPS officers deployed multiple Controlled Tire Deflation Devices (CTDDs), but were unsuccessful in bringing the vehicle to a stop. Several other USBP vehicles and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) subsequently joined in the pursuit.
185. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Nicaraguan
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 7, 2021
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
On August 15, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol Station apprehended a group of 27 migrants approximately 1000 feet from the United States-Mexico border near County 8 ½ and Salinity Canal in Yuma, AZ. The BPAs noticed one of the migrants, a male Nicaraguan citizen, was exhibiting signs of heat-related distress. The BPAs requested medical assistance from a local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider.
184. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 7, 2021
Incident Location: Marana, AZ
On August 7, 2021, at approximately 7:09 PM, a Jeep Liberty fled eastbound on State Road 86 (SR 86) after circumventing the primary inspection area of the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Three Points, AZ. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Station traveled eastbound on SR 86 attempting to locate the vehicle. A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter crew responded to the area and located the vehicle traveling eastbound on SR 86. The AMO helicopter crew provided aerial surveillance of the vehicle providing updates as to its location to BPAs on the ground. The AMO pilot observed the Jeep Liberty drive erratically through several red lights as it continued into Tucson, AZ. The vehicle then entered onto northbound I-19, which is approximately 24 miles east of the SR 86 checkpoint.
183. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 7, 2021
Incident Location: Marana, AZ
On August 7, 2021, at approximately 7:09 PM, a Jeep Liberty fled eastbound on State Road 86 (SR 86) after circumventing the primary inspection area of the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Three Points, AZ. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Station traveled eastbound on SR 86 attempting to locate the vehicle. A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter crew responded to the area and located the vehicle traveling eastbound on SR 86. The AMO helicopter crew provided aerial surveillance of the vehicle providing updates as to its location to BPAs on the ground. The AMO pilot observed the Jeep Liberty drive erratically through several red lights as it continued into Tucson, AZ. The vehicle then entered onto northbound I-19, which is approximately 24 miles east of the SR 86 checkpoint.
182. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 7, 2021
Incident Location: Marana, AZ
On August 7, 2021, at approximately 7:09 PM, a Jeep Liberty fled eastbound on State Road 86 (SR 86) after circumventing the primary inspection area of the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Three Points, AZ. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Station traveled eastbound on SR 86 attempting to locate the vehicle. A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter crew responded to the area and located the vehicle traveling eastbound on SR 86. The AMO helicopter crew provided aerial surveillance of the vehicle providing updates as to its location to BPAs on the ground. The AMO pilot observed the Jeep Liberty drive erratically through several red lights as it continued into Tucson, AZ. The vehicle then entered onto northbound I-19, which is approximately 24 miles east of the SR 86 checkpoint.
181. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: El Salvador
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 05, 2021
Incident Location: Rio Grande, TX
On August 5, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) responded to reported migrant traffic in a rural area approximately three miles southeast of Rio Grande City, TX, and approximately less than a mile north of the United States - Mexico border. BPAs arrived at the location and discovered a male citizen from El Salvador in medical distress. The BPAs immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS). Due to the remoteness of the location where BPAs discovered the man, they transported him to a nearby location that was more easily accessible to EMS.
180. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 03, 2021
Incident Location: Las Cruces, NM
On August 3, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) assigned to the Las Cruces, NM, U.S. Border Patrol Station (USBP) was patrolling near a remote area on New Mexico State Road 185 (NMSR 185), approximately six miles south of a USBP checkpoint. The BPA observed a Ford Expedition traveling northbound. He initially followed from a distance and saw the vehicle pull to the side of the road. As the BPA drew closer, the vehicle accelerated and proceeded north on NMSR 185. The BPA followed the Expedition without activating his emergency equipment and alerted BPAs at the checkpoint of the approaching vehicle.At approximately 4:45 AM, the Expedition circumvented the checkpoint by driving around the traffic cones onto southbound lanes and continued northbound on NMSR 185 at a high rate of speed. The BPA activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle while an additional Border Patrol unit pursued the smuggler. The driver of the Expedition failed to yield and continued for approximately three miles until the driver lost control and crashed, which ejected several occupants from the vehicle. BPAs immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS) and rendered aid to the occupants.Native Air EMS responded and airlifted four occupants, including a male citizen of Ecuador, to the University Medical Center (UMC) in El Paso, TX. Three occupants were transported by EMS to Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, and three other occupants with minor injuries were transported to Memorial Hospital in Las Cruces.On August 11, 2021, UMC medical personnel conducted a brain flow study which determined the Ecuadorian man failed to show brain activity. Although the man initially was placed on a ventilator, the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner declared him deceased, and on August 12, 2021 the ventilator was removed and he succumbed to his injuries.
179. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: August 03, 2021
Incident Location: Las Cruces, NM
On August 3, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) assigned to the Las Cruces, NM, U.S. Border Patrol Station (USBP) was patrolling near a remote area on New Mexico State Road 185 (NMSR 185), approximately six miles south of a USBP checkpoint. The BPA observed a Ford Expedition traveling northbound. He initially followed from a distance and saw the vehicle pull to the side of the road. As the BPA drew closer, the vehicle accelerated and proceeded north on NMSR 185. The BPA followed the Expedition without activating his emergency equipment and alerted BPAs at the checkpoint of the approaching vehicle.At approximately 4:45 AM, the Expedition circumvented the checkpoint by driving around the traffic cones onto southbound lanes and continued northbound on NMSR 185 at a high rate of speed. The BPA activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle while an additional Border Patrol unit pursued the smuggler. The driver of the Expedition failed to yield and continued for approximately three miles until the driver lost control and crashed, which ejected several occupants from the vehicle. BPAs immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS) and rendered aid to the occupants.Native Air EMS responded and airlifted four occupants, including a male citizen of Ecuador, to the University Medical Center (UMC) in El Paso, TX. Three occupants were transported by EMS to Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, and three other occupants with minor injuries were transported to Memorial Hospital in Las Cruces.On August 11, 2021, UMC medical personnel conducted a brain flow study which determined the Ecuadorian man failed to show brain activity. Although the man initially was placed on a ventilator, the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner declared him deceased, and on August 12, 2021 the ventilator was removed and he succumbed to his injuries.
178. Unknown
Age: 45
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: August 02, 2021
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents responding to a 911 call early Sunday morning rescued three migrants in distress and found one deceased.
177. Jason Gonzalez-Landaverde
Age: Unknown
Nationality: El Salvador
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: August 02, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
On August 2, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) were alerted to the presence of a group of suspected undocumented migrants inside a ranch approximately 17 miles south of Eagle Pass, Texas near Highway 277. BPAs assigned to the Eagle Pass South (EGS) Border Patrol Station responded and began tracking the group of migrants. After approximately nine hours of tracking the group, BPAs located and apprehended seven migrants while several other individuals fled. BPAs continued to search for these individuals.
176. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Accident
Incident Date: July 31, 2021
Incident Location: Sells, AZ
On July 31, 2021, at approximately 00:20 a.m., a Tucson Sector agent was involved in a head-on collision with a civilian motorist on State Route 86 near mile marker 128, outside of Sells, AZ. Multiple emergency response agencies, including a life flight, were requested and responded to the scene. A short time after the collision, both the agent and the sole occupant driver of the civilian vehicle were pronounced deceased.
175. Nolvin Berjarano-Corea
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: July 24, 2021
Incident Location: Harlingen, TX
Border Patrol station apprehended two undocumented migrants near Highway 77. One of the migrants, a citizen of Honduras, told the BPAs he was not feeling well and displayed flu-like symptoms. The man was evaluated by a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician and was admitted to a hospital in Kingsville, TX, that day. On July 31, 2021, the man was pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.
174. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: June 30, 2021
Incident Location: Vamori, AZ
On June 30, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) encountered a male citizen of Mexico in medical distress, after being flagged down by an individual on Indian Service Route 2 (ISR2) near Vamori, AZ. The BPA requested a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), however, the man’s condition worsened. Due to weather concerns, an air ambulance was unable to respond to the location. BPAs from the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) arrived and transported the man to an adequate helicopter landing zone in Vamori, AZ. From there, the man was transported via CBP helicopter to a hospital in Sells, AZ. The man was subsequently transported via ambulance and admitted into a hospital in Tucson, AZ.
173. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: June 26, 2021
Incident Location: Boulevard, CA
On June 26, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) was observing traffic on a rural road near Boulevard, CA, when he noticed a red Honda travel southbound and then return northbound a few minutes later with additional occupants. The BPA conducted a vehicle stop and found four undocumented migrants inside the vehicle, including one in the trunk. As the occupants got out of the vehicle, the BPA noticed that one of the migrants in the back seat, a female later determined to be a Mexican citizen, was unresponsive. The BPA immediately requested medical assistance. Approximately 7 minutes later, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL-Fire) Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene. The woman was then transported to a local area hospital via helicopter, where she was later pronounced deceased.
172. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical emergency
Incident Date: June 24, 2021
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
On June 23, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station spotted a group of suspected undocumented migrants near Palominas, AZ. The responding BPAs encountered a distressed male citizen of Mexico, who appeared to be suffering from heat related illness. BPAs called for immediate EMS assistance and attempted to stabilize the man, who was going in and out of consciousness. A Fry Fire District EMS unit responded and the BPAs on scene carried the man to the waiting ambulance. The man was transported to the Copper Queen Community Hospital in Bisbee, AZ for treatment.
On June 24, the man was transferred to the Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson, AZ by Lifeline air ambulance. He was admitted to and received medical treatment at TMC but tragically succumbed to his ailments the following ay and was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
171. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle Collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
170. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
169. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On June 23, a Border Patrol Agent driving a marked Border Patrol vehicle spotted people jumping into the bed of a white pickup truck, approximately 300 yards from the Rio Grande in Laredo, TX. The pickup immediately left the area at a high rate of speed, causing several people to fall from the vehicle. The BPA radioed to additional BPAs in the area as he attempted to catch up with the white pickup truck. The BPA lost sight of the vehicle and radioed to other agents notifying them that he could not locate the vehicle.
The pickup collided into a SUV at the intersection of Main Avenue and Jefferson Street, approximately 16 blocks northwest of the BPA’s location. Border Patrol EMTs, Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the collision. No Border Patrol units were pursuing the white pickup truck at the time of the crash. The first Border Patrol unit arrived on the scene within a minute and came from the opposite direction without its lights and sirens activated.
Two unidentified occupants of the pickup truck were declared deceased on scene and eight occupants of the pickup were severely injured. On June 25, 2021, a third unidentified occupant of the pickup passed away at the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
This incident is being reviewed by the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department.
168. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
According to Border Patrol officials, agents tracked and found a group of undocumented migrants about 20 miles northeast of Eagle Pass in the early morning hours of June 23, and approached them as they rested. Members of the group fled and agents pursued them until they heard screams from a man-made lake nearby. Officials said that agents worked in the dark and pulled several people out of the lake safely, but two men identified as Guatemalan citizens drowned. One was given CPR by Border Patrol agents for over 30 minutes before being declared dead, while the other was found deceased in the lake later on.
167. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Drowning
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
According to Border Patrol officials, agents tracked and found a group of undocumented migrants about 20 miles northeast of Eagle Pass in the early morning hours of June 23, and approached them as they rested. Members of the group fled and agents pursued them until they heard screams from a man-made lake nearby. Officials said that agents worked in the dark and pulled several people out of the lake safely, but two men identified as Guatemalan citizens drowned. One was given CPR by Border Patrol agents for over 30 minutes before being declared dead, while the other was found deceased in the lake later on.
166. F. Rojas-Garcia
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 19, 2021
Incident Location: Lukeville, Arizona
On June 17, 2021, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) observed two suspected undocumented migrants getting into a vehicle along Arizona State Route 85 (SR 85), approximately one and a half miles north of the Lukeville, AZ Port of Entry. Approximately 20 miles north of where the suspected undocumented migrants entered the vehicle, another BPA waiting on SR 85, activated his emergency lights and sirens and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and continued for approximately one mile, where another BPA deployed a vehicle immobilization device (VID) across the roadway. The driver of the suspected smuggling vehicle attempted to avoid running over the VID and subsequently lost control and crashed.
One of the two undocumented migrants in the vehicle, a male citizen of Mexico, was in critical condition and was transported to the Abrazo West Medical Center in Goodyear, AZ where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on June 19, 2021.
This incident is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and reviewed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
- Failure to Yield Results in Death
- https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2023/05/08/u-s-citizen-sentenced-after-109-mph-crash-killed-border-crosser/
165. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: June 10, 2021
Incident Location: Columbus, NM
U.S. Border Patrol Station attempted to stop two vehicles suspected of smuggling undocumented migrants, approximately 21 miles west of Columbus, NM. The two vehicles failed to yield to the lights and sirens of the BPAs and traveled approximately 34 miles on New Mexico state roads south of Interstate 10 with BPAs in pursuit. At that point, four undocumented migrants jumped from one of the moving vehicles on New Mexico State Road 146. While some BPAs stopped to render assistance, others continued to pursue the two vehicles which eventually stopped. Both drivers and their passengers were taken into custody by BPAs. One of the four undocumented migrants who jumped from the moving vehicle, a female citizen of Ecuador, suffered head injuries and was eventually transferred to University Medical Center in El Paso, TX, where she was declared deceased by medical personnel on June 13, 2021.
164. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Fall
Incident Date: June 7, 2021
Incident Location: Arvica, AZ
U.S. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) responded to the area. A couple hours later, one of the BPAs returned to his vehicle and the other BPA continued to search for the group. As the BPA was walking down the side of a hill with multiple descending rockfaces separated by steep terrain, he encountered and detained one migrant, while other migrants fled the area. The BPA determined two of the migrants fell off a nearby rockface. The BPA made his way to the bottom of the rockface, approximately 40 feet below, and located the two migrants. One of the migrants suffered multiple injuries and the second migrant was unfortunately declared dead on the scene. A BPA Emergency Medical Technician was inserted by helicopter to render aid to the injured migrant. The injured migrant was eventually litter carried to a life flight and transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released a few days later.The deceased migrant was a female citizen of Mexico.
163. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: June 6, 2021
Incident Location: Texas
After Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) responded to the area, a passerby told them a person was hiding behind a nearby shed. The BPAs approached the shed and discovered a male Mexican Citizen unresponsive and exhibiting labored breathing. BPAs rendered assistance and notified Brownsville Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Brownsville EMS transported the man to the Valley Regional Medical Center (VRMC).VRMC personnel treated the man for heat related illness while under hospital watch. On June 10, 2021, he succumbed to his ailments and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
162. Unknown
Age: 19
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Alleged suicide (Other)
Incident Date: June 1, 2021
Incident Location: Sierra Blanca, TX
A person was killed by Border Patrol after failing to yield to agents.
According to a CBP statement:
As a HCSO Deputy Sheriff and BPAs approached the vehicle, they heard a gunshot. After approximately one hour, HCSO Deputies, BPAs and TX Department of Public Safety State Troopers approached the vehicle and discovered the driver with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Hudspeth County, TX, Justice of the Peace later pronounced the driver, a nineteen year old U.S. Citizen, deceased.
161. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Bee attack (Medical)
Incident Date: June 1, 2021
Incident Location: San Antonio, TX
On May 25, Border Patrol agents near Carrizo Springs, Texas, responded to a 911 call from an individual who stated that she and another individual had been attacked by bees. The agents located the two individuals, one of whom, a male Mexican citizen, was unresponsive. The man was transported to the Dimmit County Medical Center, and subsequently to the San Antonio Methodist Hospital. On May 26, the man was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
160. Silvestre Vargas Estrada
Age: 26
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 14, 2021
Incident Location: Campo, CA
Border Patrol agents shot and killed a man who was a San Diego resident in a parking lot after following his vehicle in a high-speed chase.
- Border Patrol agents involved in deadly Campo shooting
- Authorities ID San Diego man shot, killed by Border Patrol agents
159. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 29, 2021
Incident Location: Kingsville, TX
A Honduran man who was hidden by grass was hit by a Border Patrol vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Honduran migrant is struck and killed by US Border Patrol vehicle while hiding in tall grass after crossing from Mexico into Texas
- Honduran National Dies of Vehicle Incident Near Kingsville, Texas*
158. Humberto Torres Iracheta
Age: 71
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 24, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Humberto Torres Iracheta was riding his bicycle at 5 am, and was struck by Border Agent Francisco Javier Vallejo in his pickup truck. Vallejo then fled the scene.
157. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Fatal Call Accident
Incident Date: April 15, 2021
Incident Location: San Manuel, TX
A Border Patrol Agent initiated a traffic stop on Highway 281. After approximately 30 seconds, the vehicle yielded, and several occupants reportedly fled. The agent reportedly approached the vehicle and detained the driver, who was a juvenile United States Citizen. While the agent was detaining the driver, one of the fleeing occupants was crossing the highway and was struck and killed by a civilian vehicle.
156. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: April 15, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Border Patrol Agents were notified by a member of a migrant group that a female was in medical distress near the Rio Grande in Hidalgo, Texas. Two agents immediately responded to the area, just west of the Hidalgo Port of Entry, and located an adult female who was incoherent and in medical distress. The female was traveling with her adult daughter and two juvenile children. Border Patrol Agents summoned Emergency Medical Services to better assess the subject. Due to the remoteness of the location where she was found and the need for prompt medical attention, agents transported her to a nearby location where they were met by an ambulance that transported the female to McAllen Medical Center.On April 16, 2021, at approximately 4:30 p.m., medical personnel advised Border Patrol agents that she had passed away.
155. Unknown
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical distress (Medical)
Incident Date: April 15, 2021
Incident Location: Hebbronville, TX
The initial investigation revealed Border Patrol Agents responded to the area, located the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop. When the vehicle stopped, agents witnessed several occupants flee while one occupant remained inside. Border Patrol agents gave commands to the man to exit the vehicle but he did not respond. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrived and provided assistance to the agents. When the agents approached the Toyota, they found a man in medical distress. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician provided medical care and notified Duval County EMS which transported the man to the Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice, TX, where he was pronounced dead. No other occupants from the vehicle were apprehended.The identity and nationality of the deceased male has not yet been determined.
154. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: April 11, 2021
Incident Location: Hebbronville, TX
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.
153. Unknown
Age: 24
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: April 3, 2021
Incident Location: Arizona
YCSO deputies and Border Patrol Agents (BPAs), including members of the Border Patrol’s Search and Rescue team as well as a BPA aboard an Arizona National Guard helicopter, responded to the area. Personnel aboard the helicopter located the individuals and guided in BPAs on the ground. When the BPAs reached the area, they reportedly discovered a 24-year-old female Mexican Citizen, who was already deceased. After the arrival of YCSO, the female was formally pronounced deceased.The female was reportedly located in the same area as her cousin and one other male. The two survivors told investigators that she became ill while crossing the desert and they were abandoned by the smuggler who was guiding them.
152. Lorenzo Bartolo-Cardona
Age: 29
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: March 28, 2021
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
The 29-year-old man was picked up by Casa Grande Border Patrol agents on March 25, and, according to Border Patrol, showed “signs of medical distress” while at the Tucson Coordination Center. He was pronounced dead two days later.
- Man dies in hospital while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody in Tucson
- Man Dies In Border Patrol Custody In Tucson
- https://borderoversight.org/files/2023-02-01_oig.pdf
151. Unknown
Age: Infant
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: March 10, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Border Patrol agents working near Hidalgo, Texas, found a pregnant woman in need of medical attention near the Rio Grande. Agents immediately requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS). EMS arrived on scene and transported the migrant to a local hospital for care.Today, hospital personnel advised Border Patrol that the patient gave birth prematurely and that unfortunately the newborn passed away due to complications.
150. Carlos Silva
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: March 10, 2021
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
On March 10, 2021, an adult male in United States Border Patrol custody in Eagle Pass, TX, began to exhibit signs of medical distress. Agents called for Emergency Medical Services and rendered aid. Shortly after, the man passed away. The event is being investigated by the Eagle Pass, Texas Police Department and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility.
- CBP Statement on Death in Custody at Eagle Pass, TX | US Customs and Border Protection
- https://borderoversight.org/files/2023-02-01_oig.pdf
149. Diosmani Ramos
Age: 23
Nationality: Cuban
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 29, 2021
Incident Location: Hidalgo, TX
Diosmani Ramos was shot by a Border Patrol agent sometime around 7:38 am, about a mile away from the Hidalgo port of entry. Diosmani was holding a stone, and the Border Patrol agent shot him in the chest when he refused to drop it. Diosmani was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9 am.
- US Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Crossing Border Into Texas
- US Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Crossing Border
- Man killed after threatening agent with rock, source says
- "Fue un asesinato": pareja del joven cubano baleado en la frontera por un agente de la patrulla fronteriza de EEUU
2020
35 deaths
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148. Unknown
Age: 23
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Accident
Incident Date: December 27, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On Dec. 27, a 23-year-old female Guatemalan citizen, one of the two individuals struck by the civilian vehicle on Dec. 17, has been removed from life support and has passed away. The incident remains under investigation by Laredo Police Department.
147. Unknown
Age: 27
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: December 22, 2020
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
A 27-year-old male, driving a grey sedan traveling northbound from Mexico at a high rate of speed, collided with a metal arm gate in a closed vehicle lane. There were no other injuries reported on the U.S. side. California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident
146. Benjamin Marley Manley
Age: 36
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: December 16, 2020
Incident Location: Truth and Consequences, NM
A man was killed during a car chase in which he allegedly shot at Border Patrol agents, who returned fire. While initially CBP reported that the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, later reports indicate that it is unclear whether the man died as a result of the exchange of fire, or from a self-inflicted wound.
- Man who died after shootout with NM border agents was wanted for attempted murder in IowaMan dies after being struck by Calexico Border Patrol vehicle
- Fugitive wanted for attempted murder in Council Bluffs dies after shootout with U.S. Border Patrol
145. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car accident
Incident Date: December 15, 2020
Incident Location: Sanderson, TX
While agents were attempting to apprehend members of the group, they reportedly heard the sound of a tractor trailer braking on nearby Texas Highway 90. Agents responded to that location and discovered an unidentified individual had been struck and killed by a civilian vehicle.
144. Heli Daniel Segura-Avina
Age: 21
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: November 6, 2020
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was killed after being run over by a Border Patrol vehicle. Officials said the Border Patrol agent was responding to a report of an unauthorized entry into the US from Mexico, and he was unable to avoid driving over the man, who was lying in the road. The man was transported to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center in Palm Springs, where he died.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-agent-involved-collision-death-calexico
- https://calexicochronicle.com/2020/11/07/man-killed-after-being-hit-by-border-agent-idd-was-a-mexican-national-21
143. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car accident
Incident Date: November 1, 2020
Incident Location: Texas
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 a vehicle failed to stop for secondary inspection at the Interstate 35 U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. The driver bailed out of the vehicle, ran across the median and was struck by a southbound vehicle and is deceased.
142. David Angel Villalobos-Baldovinos
Age: 30
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 23, 2020
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
David, a long-time California resident, was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent when attempting to enter the U.S.
- One Dead in Shooting Involving Border Patrol Near Las Americas Premium Outlets
- Family of Man Killed By Border Patrol Agent Says Non-Lethal Force Could've Saved His Life
- Authorities ID Border Patrol agent who shot, killed man in San Ysidro
141. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 23, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
A driver allegedly transporting undocumented people was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents.
- Border Patrol Agents Fatally Shoot Driver in Texas
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/initial-statement-agent-involved-shooting-laredo
140. Unknown
Age: 36
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: October 15, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
On October 15, 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered a group of four illegal aliens south of Laredo. One of the four individuals in the group was found to be unresponsive. Agents on scene quickly called emergency medical services (EMS) and began to render aid. Soon thereafter, local EMS personnel arrived and transported the individual to the Laredo Medical Center (LMC) for medical attention. While at LMC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel contacted the family in Mexico, with the assistance of the Mexican Consulate in Laredo. Unfortunately, the individual’s health condition worsened and he died in the hospital on October 17, 2020.
139. Norma Martinez
Age: 58
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Off-Duty Homicide
Incident Date: September 23, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, TX
Mark Martinez, a retired Border Patrol agent, shot and killed his wife Norma Martinez on September 23rd. Norma was found in her home in El Paso. Mark was linked to a double homicide in 1994, but never received charges for his involvement in the murders. Mark was found dead from a self-inflicted wound in a field in New Mexico later that week.
138. Name Withheld
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical (dehydration)
Incident Date: September 21, 2020
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
On September 20, 2020, medical personnel assigned to the Tucson Coordination Center, a centralized processing facility operated by U.S. Border Patrol, became aware that a man in their custody was showing symptoms of dehydration. Agents contacted EMS and the man was transported to a local Tucson hospital by the Tucson Fire Department. On the morning of September 21, while at the hospital, the man passed away and doctors were unable to resuscitate him.
137. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 21, 2020
Incident Location: Nogales, AZ
A man was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after he wounded the agent with a knife.
- Border Patrol agent stabbed near Nogales; suspect fatally shot
- Border Patrol: Agent fatally shot suspect who attacked him with knife
136. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical (COVID-19)
Incident Date: August 24, 2020
Incident Location: Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is saddened to report the death of a Mexican national on Monday morning in a South Texas hospital.On July 18, 2020, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande City station apprehended an adult Mexican national male who informed agents he felt ill and believed he had a fever. Agents rendered aid and transported the man to a local hospital directly from the field encounter location. Medical personnel determined the man was positive for COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms related to the virus. Days after being admitted, medical staff determined the man had a low oxygen saturation that required sedation and placement on a ventilator. On August 24, 2020, the man passed away. The Mexican consulate was notified of the man’s passing and will assist in notifying the family.
135. Unknown
Age: 37
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: August 17, 2020
Incident Location: Deming, NM
An undocumented migrant from Ecuador died after becoming ill during a border-crossing attempt in the Southern New Mexico desert, the U.S. Border Patrol said.The 37-year-old woman was pronounced dead after being flown by helicopter to a hospital in Deming, New Mexico
134. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: July 26, 2020
Incident Location: Del Rio, TX
Border Patrol agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop and the driver attempted to elude agents by fleeing at an accelerated speed. Agents ultimately lost sight of the vehicle and it was located a short time later where it had rolled over. Agents arrived on scene and discovered several injured persons. Two people, believed to be undocumented immigrants, were killed in the crash.
- Kinney County deputies, Border Patrol searching for driver responsible for fatal rollover crash
- CBP Statement On Accident With Fatalities
133. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car crash (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: July 26, 2020
Incident Location: Del Rio, TX
Border Patrol agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop and the driver then attempted to elude agents by fleeing at a high rate of speed. Agents ultimately lost sight of the vehicle and it was located a short time later where it had rolled over. Agents arrived on scene and discovered several injured persons. Two people who are believed to be undocumented immigrants were killed in the crash.
- Kinney County deputies, Border Patrol searching for driver responsible for fatal rollover crash
- CBP Statement On Accident With Fatalities
132. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (use of force)
Incident Date: July 9, 2020
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was shot and killed by CBP officers after approaching an officer and a security guard with a knife.
131. Name Withheld
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (medical)
Incident Date: July 5, 2020
Incident Location: Roma, Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is saddened to report the death of an unidentified woman on Thursday morning in a South Texas hospital. On July 5, 2020, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande City station were tracking a group of illegal aliens near La Grulla, Texas, when they discovered a woman who appeared to be suffering from dehydration and was semi-responsive. Agents rendered aid and contacted EMS who transported her to a local hospital. Medical personnel determined the woman required sedation and placement on a ventilator. On July 9, 2020, the woman passed away.
130. Name Withheld
Age: 39
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: July 4, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
Border Patrol agents responded to a call of a man in distress on a remote ranch. The man was taken to a hospital, where he passed away.
129. Name Withheld
Age: 19
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. This person was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
128. Santos Porfirio-Garcia
Age: 32
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Santos Porfirio-Garcia was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
127. Yadira Barrera
Age: 16
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Yadira Barrera was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
126. Liliana Jimenez
Age: 16
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Liliana Jimenez was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
125. Elvira Tot-Chiroy
Age: 19
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Elvira Tot-Chiroy was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
124. Oscar Miguel Garcia-Bran
Age: 21
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Oscar Miguel Garcia-Bran was one of the 7 passengers who died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
123. Gustavo Cervantes
Age: 18
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: June 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
A pickup truck crashed after a high speed chase involving Border Patrol. Gustavo Cervantes was the driver of the pickup and died in the crash.
- 7 die, 3 hurt in car crash fleeing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas
- Identities released for most victims in deadly El Paso crash after Border Patrol chase; 5 from Guatemala
122. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Uknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 2, 2020
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
On the evening of June 2, 2020, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Douglas Station initiated a stop of a vehicle traveling on State Route 80, north of Douglas, AZ. The vehicle, driven by a United States Citizen, was occupied by four individuals determined to be undocumented aliens. Border Patrol Agents handling the traffic stop observed a second vehicle also suspected of being involved in human smuggling activity. Agents attempted to make an immigration stop of the second vehicle, however, the driver failed to yield to their lights and sirens. A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircraft, already on patrol in the area, responded to assist ground agents with the pursuit. During the pursuit, CBP personnel deployed a controlled tire deflation device. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle lost control and rolled over. Emergency medical personnel, including a Life Flight air ambulance, responded to the scene. A total of five occupants were in the vehicle. One occupant died on the scene, two were transported to a Tucson area hospital by Life Flight and remain in critical condition, and one was treated and released to Border Patrol custody. The suspected driver, determined to be a United States Citizen, was critically injured and later died at a local hospital. The remaining four occupants were determined to be undocumented aliens.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/arizona-alien-smuggling-incident-results-deaths
121. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 2, 2020
Incident Location: Tucson, AZ
On the evening of June 2, 2020, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Douglas Station initiated a stop of a vehicle traveling on State Route 80, north of Douglas, AZ. The vehicle, driven by a United States Citizen, was occupied by four individuals determined to be undocumented aliens. Border Patrol Agents handling the traffic stop observed a second vehicle also suspected of being involved in human smuggling activity. Agents attempted to make an immigration stop of the second vehicle, however, the driver failed to yield to their lights and sirens. A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircraft, already on patrol in the area, responded to assist ground agents with the pursuit. During the pursuit, CBP personnel deployed a controlled tire deflation device. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle lost control and rolled over. Emergency medical personnel, including a Life Flight air ambulance, responded to the scene. A total of five occupants were in the vehicle. One occupant died on the scene, two were transported to a Tucson area hospital by Life Flight and remain in critical condition, and one was treated and released to Border Patrol custody. The suspected driver, determined to be a United States Citizen, was critically injured and later died at a local hospital. The remaining four occupants were determined to be undocumented aliens.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/arizona-alien-smuggling-incident-results-deaths
120. Guadalupe David de Luna
Age: 43
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Off duty homicide
Incident Date: April 15, 2020
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
On Wednesday, April 15, shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 43-year-old male CBP officer was detained by Laredo Police Department in connection with the shooting death of a man, later identified as a Laredo firefighter, in an off-duty domestic incident.
119. Julio Marcos Gonzalez
Age: 61
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: March 29, 2020
Incident Location: San Ysidro Port of Entry
A 61-year-old U.S. citizen died after entering U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody at the San Ysidro port of entry on Sunday evening.The man was detained by CBP officers and security staff at the San Ysidro port of entry and placed into a cell after he attempted to walk into a restricted area, became non-compliant with instructions, and exhibited abnormal behavior. A few minutes later, CBP officers noticed that the man was nonresponsive, and CBP officers with medical first responder training rendered aid until local emergency medical services personnel arrived and took over medical care shortly thereafter.
118. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: March 28, 2020
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
On Saturday, March 28 at approximately 10:39 p.m. MST, a black Chevrolet Avalanche fled from the primary inspection area of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) U.S. Border Patrol Immigration Checkpoint at Interstate 8 (I-8) and continued eastbound on I-8 between Yuma and Wellton, Arizona. U.S. Border Patrol agents immediately began to pursue the vehicle. The pursuit ended when the fleeing driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over. The U.S. Border Patrol agents immediately called for Emergency Medical Services and performed First Aid on both occupants of the vehicle. Both occupants of the vehicle ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
117. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: March 28, 2020
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
On Saturday, March 28 at approximately 10:39 p.m. MST, a black Chevrolet Avalanche fled from the primary inspection area of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) U.S. Border Patrol Immigration Checkpoint at Interstate 8 (I-8) and continued eastbound on I-8 between Yuma and Wellton, Arizona. U.S. Border Patrol agents immediately began to pursue the vehicle. The pursuit ended when the fleeing driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over. The U.S. Border Patrol agents immediately called for Emergency Medical Services and performed First Aid on both occupants of the vehicle. Both occupants of the vehicle ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
116. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting
Incident Date: March 25, 2020
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
On March 24, agents from U.S. Border Patrol’s Special Operations Group in El Paso, Texas responded to a request for assistance from El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO). Deputies were searching for an armed and dangerous subject who fired at law enforcement officers during a warrant service earlier that day. The subject was located and began firing at the deputies and agents while they approached the location. Deputies and agents
115. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: March 20, 2020
Incident Location: Cuevitos, Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is saddened to report that a Mexican male was pronounced deceased early Friday morning just south of Cuevitas, Texas. Our condolences are with his family.Early Friday morning, on March 20, 2020, a male Mexican national was encountered by Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents as part of a group of individuals. The subject was taken into custody and placed in a Border Patrol vehicle while agents continued to apprehend more subjects. The subject was discovered to be unresponsive when agents returned to the vehicle. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents attempted life-saving measures until Emergency Medical personnel arrived. Despite the best efforts of emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased a short time later.“This loss of life is tragic, despite the best efforts of our Border Patrol agents and medical professionals,” said Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Chief Brian Hastings. “Making the dangerous journey to the United States has potentially deadly consequences and we want everyone to think twice before putting their lives in the hands of human smugglers and other criminal organizations.”
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-regarding-death-mexican-citizen
114. James Paul Markowitz
Age: 32
Nationality: American
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February 4, 2020
Incident Location: Bracketville, Texas
James Paul Markowitz was apprehended surrounding an "illegal smuggling incident" on February 4, 2020. Markowitz began exhibiting "signs of distress" that evening, and was administered first aid, then transferred to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
2019
17 deaths
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113. Name Withheld
Age: 41
Nationality: Congolese
Cause of Death: Acute Kidney Failure (Medical)
Incident Date: December 25, 2019
Incident Location: Lincoln Juarez Bridge, Laredo, Texas
A female migrant seeking asylum in the United States died on Christmas Day in government custody when she crossed the Gateway Bridge in Texas with her family, before reportedly succumbing to acute kidney failure. She came with paperwork that documented a “previous medical condition”, CBP said. The agency's medical personnel cleared her to be detained overnight. She was traveling with her husband and two children, who were subsequently released.
- Congolese woman dies in US custody after crossing border into Texas
- Statement on Death of Congolese National in Laredo
- Congolese migrant dies after night in CBP facility
- CBP Statement
112. Name Withheld
Age: 42
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Alleged suicide
Incident Date: December 21, 2019
Incident Location: East Hidalgo Detention Center
On December 20, CBP officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry detained a male 42-year-old Mexican national who claimed to be a US Citizen. He was arrested and processed for Expedited Removal and was held for criminal prosecution. The individual passed away at the East Hidalgo Detention Center on Dec. 21, 2019. According to initial reports, the cause of death is suspected to be the result of suicide. The incident remains under investigation by La Villa Police Department, and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
- CBP Statement on Death in Custody
- CBP Investigating Possible Suicide of Mexican National at Jail in Hidalgo County
111. Name Withheld
Age: Not released
Nationality: Not released
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 3, 2019
Incident Location: Sunland Park, New Mexico as suburb of El Paso, Texas
A Border Patrol agent approached a group of four people early Monday, and one of them pulled out a gun and started shooting, according to a statement from CBP. The agent fired back, hitting the man, who died at a hospital. No additional information was released, including the names of the agent and gunman. The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating.
- Border Patrol agent fatally shoots gunman who opened fire
- https://www.aila.org/infonet/cbp-releases-statement-on-shooting-in-sunland-park
110. Name Withheld
Age: 33
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Severe dehydration (Medical)
Incident Date: October 26, 2019
Incident Location: Tubac, Arizona
A woman died in Border Patrol custody, following nearly two weeks in the hospital. The woman was in need of medical care when an Arizona sheriff's deputy found her on October 13 near Tubac, about 40 kilometers north of the border city of Nogales. She was suffering from "severe dehydration."
- Hospitalized Woman Dies in US Border Patrol Custody
- Mexican woman dies while in Border Patrol custody
109. Name Unknown
Age: Unkown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: Some time around October 21, 2019
Incident Location: Texas highway
The man fled from agents across a Texas highway and was hit by a car. No more details can be found at the moment.
108. Name Withheld
Age: 49
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: October 21, 2019
Incident Location: Tucson, Arizona (South of Casa Grande)
On October 20, at 1 pm, a Mexican man was apprehended by Border Patrol agents, south of Casa Grande. During processing it was determined the man needed medical attention and was transported to a Tucson area hospital. Medical officials determined that the man had a pre-existing heart condition. The next day, at approximately 9 am, the man was pronounced deceased.
- CBP Statement on Death in Custody
- Mexican man dies at Tucson hospital while in Border Patrol custody
- Mexican migrant in Border Patrol custody dies at Arizona hospital
107. Marvin Antonio González
Age: 32
Nationality: Salvadoran
Cause of Death: unknown
Incident Date: August 1, 2019
Incident Location: Lordsburg, New Mexico
A man died while in Border Patrol custody. According to reports, he was taken into custody at the El Paso Border Patrol Station and was being processed at the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station when he fell into medical distress and later died.
- Statement on Death of Salvadoran Man in Lordsburg, NM
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-border-facility-deaths-man-who-recently-crossed-border-dies-lordsburg-new-mexico-2019-08-01/
106. Name Withheld
Age: 52
Nationality: Nicaraguan
Cause of Death: unknown
Incident Date: July 5, 2019
Incident Location: Tucson, Arizona
A man died while in Border Patrol custody. According to reports, he was part of a group of 36 asylum-seekers who turned themselves in to be processed.
- 52-year-old migrant dies in U.S. custody
- Nicaraguan Man Dies While In Border Patrol Custody In Arizona
105. Travis James Eckstein
Age: 23
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, California
CBP officers fatally shot a man during a shootout that occurred at secondary inspection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
- 23-year-old American dies after shootout with border patrol agents at port of entry near San Diego
- Border Officers Kill 23-Year-Old U.S. Citizen During Shootout at San Ysidro Port of Entry
104. Name Not Yet Released
Age: 40
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
A woman was apprehended at the border by CBP, when she collapsed shortly after. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
- Third undocumented migrant in 3 days dies after being apprehended at US-Mexico border
- Honduran woman becomes third undocumented migrant to die in 3 days after being apprehended at U.S.-Mexico border
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-death-custody-40-year-old-honduran-woman-passes-away
103. Name Not Yet Released
Age: 33
Nationality: Salvadoran
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: June 3, 2019
Incident Location: Roma, Texas
A man was apprehended by CBP, and began having a seizure. He was given emergency care by an EMT-certified CBP agent, and taken to a hospital, where he died.
- Third undocumented migrant in 3 days dies after being apprehended at US-Mexico border
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-death-custody-33-year-old-salvadoran-man-passes-away
102. Carlos Hernandez Vásquez
Age: 16
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Influenza A (Medical)
Incident Date: May 20, 2019
Incident Location: Welasco, Texas
A boy who was apprehended on May 13, was found unresponsive by CBP during a welfare check at the Weslaco Station, where he ultimately died.
- 16-year-old migrant boy dies in U.S. custody, 5th child to die since December
- Guatemalan teen boy is latest migrant child to die in U.S. custody
- Inside the Cell Where a Sick 16-Year-Old Boy Died in Border Patrol Care
101. Wilmer Josué Ramírez Vásquez
Age: 2
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Pneumonia (Medical)
Incident Date: May 14, 2019
Incident Location: El Paso,Texas
The toddler's mother asked for medical assistance for him after noticing he was ill on April 6, 2019, then transferred to Providence Children's Hospital in El Paso the Next day, where he remained until he died.
100. Name not released
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death:Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 6, 2019
Incident Location: New Mexico
The unnamed person was ejected from a vehicle after El Paso Border Patrol chased the car on Highway 9 in New Mexico. The Border Patrol agents deployed a tire deflation device, which the vehicle swerved to avoid, causing it to roll over, eject people from the vehicle and fatally wound two people.
99. Name not released
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 6, 2019
Incident Location: New Mexico
The unnamed person was ejected from a vehicle after El Paso Border Patrol chased the car on Highway 9 in New Mexico. The Border Patrol agents deployed a tire deflation device, which the vehicle swerved to avoid, causing it to roll over, eject people from the vehicle and fatally wound two people.
98. Name not released
Age: 40
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: March 18, 2019
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
This person was apprehended on March 18 and died the next day at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, after being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure and renal failure.
- A 40-Year-Old Mexican Immigrant Died In US Custody — The Fourth Death In Recent Months
- Immigrant dies in Border Patrol custody, 4th death in recent months
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-death-custody-44-year-old-mexican-man-passes-away-el?language=es
97. Name not released
Age: 45
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February 19, 2019
Incident Location: McAllen, Texas
The man was in Border Patrol custody since February 2. He requested medical attention after he was found near a port of entry. He was seen at a Mission medical center, cleared for travel, and returned to Border Patrol custody. While in custody, he again requested medical attention, and was under medical care in McAllen until he died. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and congestive heart failure, but the official cause of death is unknown.
- Mexican National Dies While In Custody Of Customs And Border Protection
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/speeches-and-statements/cbp-statement-death-custody-45-year-old-mexican-man-passes-away?language=fr
2018
17 deaths
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96. Felipe Alonzo-Gomez
Age: 8
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Influenza B (Medical)
Incident Date: December 24, 2018
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
After being in Border Patrol custody for almost a week, Felipe fell ill, was taken to the hospital, misdiagnosed with a cold, and sent back to CBP custody. Felipe began vomiting and was taken back to the hospital, where he died before midnight.
95. Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin
Age: 7
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest caused by severe dehydration and shock (Medical)
Incident Date: December 8, 2018
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
Jakelin died in Border Patrol custody after being detained with her father and others in the New Mexico desert.
94. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: November 28, 2018
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
On November 27th, 2018, the U.S. Border Patrol chased a truck carrying 11 passengers in San Diego, California. During the high-speed chase, which began at Interstate 8, U.S. Border Patrol laid spike strips on the road in an attempt to stop a vehicle. Upon passing over the spikes, the truck crashed and rolled over, resulting in the death of three people.
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/killed-truck-crashes-fleeing-border-patrol-san-diego/story?id=59512328
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/29/border-patrol-chase-3-die-after-pickup-crashes-near-san-diego/2159071002/
93. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: November 28, 2018
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
On November 27th, 2018, the U.S. Border Patrol chased a truck carrying 11 passengers in San Diego, California. During the high-speed chase, which began at Interstate 8, U.S. Border Patrol laid spike strips on the road in an attempt to stop a vehicle. Upon passing over the spikes, the truck crashed and rolled over, resulting in the death of three people.
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/killed-truck-crashes-fleeing-border-patrol-san-diego/story?id=59512328
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/29/border-patrol-chase-3-die-after-pickup-crashes-near-san-diego/2159071002/
92. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Car Chase
Incident Date: November 28, 2018
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
On November 27th, 2018, the U.S. Border Patrol chased a truck carrying 11 passengers in San Diego, California. During the high-speed chase, which began at Interstate 8, U.S. Border Patrol laid spike strips on the road in an attempt to stop a vehicle. Upon passing over the spikes, the truck crashed and rolled over, resulting in the death of three people.
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/killed-truck-crashes-fleeing-border-patrol-san-diego/story?id=59512328
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/29/border-patrol-chase-3-die-after-pickup-crashes-near-san-diego/2159071002/
91. Janelle Ortiz (aka Nikki Enriquez)
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 14, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent, Juan David Ortiz, was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people, including trans woman Janelle, after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
90. Guiselda Hernandez
Age: 25
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 14, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
89. Claudine Ann Luera
Age: 42
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 13, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer. A supervisory US Border Patrol agent who authorities are calling a serial killer was arrested on September 15, 2018, in the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- The Hunt for the Serial Killer of Laredo
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
88. Melissa Ramirez
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: September 3, 2018
Incident Location: Laredo, Texas
An off-duty supervisory Border Patrol agent was arrested on September 15, 2018, for the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer. A supervisory US Border Patrol agent who authorities are calling a serial killer was arrested on September 15, 2018, in the deaths of four people after a would-be fifth victim narrowly escaped harm and alerted a police officer.
- What we know about Laredo's 'serial killer' victims
- A woman’s daring escape from a Border Patrol agent helped reveal a ‘serial killer,’ police say
- US Border Patrol agent arrested in 4 deaths described as serial killer
- Border Patrol agent accused of serial killings wanted to 'commit suicide by cop,' officials say
87. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 17, 2018
Incident Location: Big Texas, Texas
US Border Patrol agents chased an SUV carrying 14 people on a rural road about 125 miles southwest of San Antonio. Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd alleged that the vehicle ran off the road, caught gravel, tried to recorrect, and as a result turned over several times, resulting in the deaths of five of the passengers.
86. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 17, 2018
Incident Location: Big Texas, Texas
US Border Patrol agents chased an SUV carrying 14 people on a rural road about 125 miles southwest of San Antonio. Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd alleged that the vehicle ran off the road, caught gravel, tried to recorrect, and as a result turned over several times, resulting in the deaths of five of the passengers.
85. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 17, 2018
Incident Location: Big Texas, Texas
US Border Patrol agents chased an SUV carrying 14 people on a rural road about 125 miles southwest of San Antonio. Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd alleged that the vehicle ran off the road, caught gravel, tried to recorrect, and as a result turned over several times, resulting in the deaths of five of the passengers.
84. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 17, 2018
Incident Location: Big Texas, Texas
US Border Patrol agents chased an SUV carrying 14 people on a rural road about 125 miles southwest of San Antonio. Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd alleged that the vehicle ran off the road, caught gravel, tried to recorrect, and as a result turned over several times, resulting in the deaths of five of the passengers.
83. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal car chase
Incident Date: June 17, 2018
Incident Location: Big Texas, Texas
US Border Patrol agents chased an SUV carrying 14 people on a rural road about 125 miles southwest of San Antonio. Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd alleged that the vehicle ran off the road, caught gravel, tried to recorrect, and as a result turned over several times, resulting in the deaths of five of the passengers.
82. Claudia Patricia Gomez Gonzalez
Age: 20
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 23, 2018
Incident Location: Rio Bravo, Texas
A Border Patrol agent shot and killed Claudia after a group had attempted to cross the Texas border irregularly and allegedly rushed the agent, according to Customs and Border Protection. Customs and Border Protection has previously changed the retelling of the event from a rocking incident to a group rushing the agents. The FBI is launching an investigation.
81. Robert Young III
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicie)
Incident Date: February 12, 2018
Incident Location: Pinecrest, FL
A burglar busted through the glass doors of a house in the upscale village of Pinecrest early Monday morning, only to face a deadly barrage of bullets from the homeowner — a high-ranking Miami federal agent.
80. Juan Daniel Jacques
Age: 33
Nationality: N/A
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicie)
Incident Date: January 2018
Incident Location: Socorro, TX
According to new reports, Juan Daniel Jacques attacked an off-duty Border Patrol agent so the agent fired his duty weapon.
2017
12 deaths
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79. Rolando Chávez Chávez
Age: 26
Nationality: Guatemala
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 29, 2017
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to Border Patrol, Chávez attacked an agent while being taken into custody and a struggle ensued where Chávez grabbed the agent’s gun. A second officer fired at Chavez during the struggle.
78. Rodolfo Ballardo
Age: 31
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 2017
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to authorities, Ballardo shot an Arizona State Trooper and fled the scene. Border Patrol found the car Ballardo had taken off in and an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in his death.
77. Unknown
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: September 17, 2017
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
According to news reports, a man was hit by a car after fleeing from a van that was crossing into the U.S.
- Two killed after attempt to cross U.S.-Mexico border, authorities say
- Fatal Port Runner Attempt at San Ysidro
76. Unknown
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car accident (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: September 17, 2017
Incident Location: San Ysidro, CA
According to news reports, a woman was hit by a car after fleeing from a van that was crossing into the U.S.
- Two killed after attempt to cross U.S.-Mexico border, authorities say
- Fatal Port Runner Attempt at San Ysidro
75. Isarel Caballero
Age: 18
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
74. Gloria Lopez
Age: 15
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
73. Raul Quiroz
Age: 20
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: August 10, 2017
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was suspected to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations. Moments after the driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guardrail and went over the side of the interstate.
72. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting
Incident Date: April 7, 2017
Incident Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
The individual involved in a shooting at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on I-25 near Las Cruces, N.M., last month has died. The adult, who sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was not struck by agents, died at a local hospital on Friday, May 5, 2017. The individual approached the primary inspection lane at the checkpoint on April 9, 2017, and was referred to a secondary inspection. Agents said they heard a gunshot and fired their weapons.
https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2017/05/05/man-shot-border-checkpoint-dies/101353470/
71. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Alleged suicide
Incident Date: April 4, 2017
Incident Location: New Mexico
New Mexico State Police claim that the driver of a vehicle suspected in a road rage incident became argumentative with Border Patrol agents at the I-10 Border Patrol Checkpoint. The vehicle's tires were punctured by spike strips, and the driver subsequently drove across the median from the westbound lanes into eastbound lanes, hit a fence, and traveled over the embankment before stopping in a field. Police claimed that the driver was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
70. Clarence Duane Hudarte
Age: 73
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting
Incident Date: March 20, 2017
Incident Location: Warren Minnesota
Clarence Duane Huderle, an elderly man from Minnesota, fired at a mail carrier and sheriff's deputy at his home in March and was killed by an agent with the U.S. Border Patrol, according to an investigation by the state. The Polk County Sheriff's Office ruled shooting was justified.
69. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: February 23, 2017
Incident Location: Lordsburg, NM
According to news reports, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Paso sector were involved in a chase that led to the crash.
68. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: February 23, 2017
Incident Location: Lordsburg, NM
According to news reports, Border Patrol agents from the El Paso sector were involved in a chase that led to the crash and the death of two individuals.
2016
7 deaths
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67. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting
Incident Date: July 15, 2016
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
According to CBP, agents subdued a male in Laredo, TX near the river. While escorting the man to the vehicle, the man became unresponsive. Laredo Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
66. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 9, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
According to the Yuma Sector Border Patrol Public Affairs Office, a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a suspected undocumented individual during a struggle.
65. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: May 22, 2016
Incident Location: Near Laredo, TX
One person died and 10 others were injured north of Laredo in a chase that ended in a crash.
64. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: March 23, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
Individuals fleeing in a vehicle from CBP collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 8, killing two and injuring four individuals.
63. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: March 23, 2016
Incident Location: Yuma, AZ
Individuals fleeing in a vehicle from CBP collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 8, killing two and injuring four individuals.
62. Hector Leroy
Age: 43
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: February 4, 2016
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
According to CBP, at approximately 5:45 pm, three Border Patrol agents were on patrol in the downtown area, near the Greyhound Bus Station. The agents heard the sound of gunshots and immediately responded. Agents observed a wounded person lying on the ground and a man fleeing the scene on foot between Overland and El Paso streets.
The three agents pursued the subject who approached a pickup truck and pointed a gun at the driver in an attempt to carjack the vehicle. Agents drew their service-issued firearms and ordered the subject to drop the weapon. The man turned and pointed his gun at one of the agents. Another agent then discharged his firearm and the man fell to the ground.
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/us-border-patrol-provides-statement-about-use-force-incident-el-paso
- https://cbs4local.com/news/local/shooting-involving-border-patrol-agent-at-downtown-greyhound-station
61. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: January 31, 2016
Incident Location: Northwest Laredo, Texas
This person died as a result of being thrown from a minivan during a chase with Border Patrol agents. Four other passengers were taken to Doctors Hospital.
2015
11 deaths
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60. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 21, 2015
Incident Location: Calexico, CA
A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning after allegedly attacking customs officers with a knife at the Calexico West Port of Entry.
59. Rayshaun Cole
Age: 30
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: October 17, 2015
Incident Location: Chula Vista, CA
An off-duty CBP officer fatally shot her boyfriend in their Chula Vista apartment Saturday, telling police that it was in self-defense as he was hitting her, authorities said.
58. Aaron Andrew Furness
Age: 38
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: September 23, 2015
Incident Location: Drummond Island, MI
Michigan State Troopers were searching for a missing person alert on Drummond Island, MI and requested assistance from Border Patrol Agents. Border Patrol Agents entered a dwelling where shots were fired and they killed a civilian.
- Sept. 24, 2015 use of force incident near Drummond Island, MI
- https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/police-missing-marine-died-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-on-michigan-island/
57. Richard Matt
Age: 49
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 26, 2015
Incident Location: New York
56. Graciela Lopez Franco
Age: 32
Nationality: Mexico
Cause of Death: Drowning (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 18, 2015
Incident Location: Off the coast of Encinitas, CA
According to a filed complaint, 20 people were onboard a panga a few minutes after midnight on June 18, 2015, seven miles off the coast of Encinitas when Border Patrol officers spotted the low-riding boat. Supervisor Hunter, Linscott, and Jenkins, riding in a 38-foot M901 patrol vessel, approached the panga. Once within range, the officers failed to use their intercom or lights on their vessel and instead, read the complaint, and ran straight toward the panga. The officers then directed a “flash-bang” explosion at the immigrants’ vessel. Officer Linscott fired several shots from his gun into the outboard motor, disabling it. The officers then rammed their boat into the panga, splitting it into several pieces.
55. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Colombian
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 17, 2015
Incident Location: British Virgin Islands
54. Jamison E. Childress
Age: 20
Nationality: Canadian
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 19, 2015
Incident Location: Sumas, Washington
Border Patrol agents shot and killed Childress after he set off ground sensors at the U.S.-Canada border crossing near Sumas, Washington.
53. Jose Francisco Rodriguez Palacios Paz
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Honduran
Cause of Death: Off Duty Homicide
Incident Date: March 2015
Incident Location: Texas
Border Patrol agent Luna was found to have been engaged in criminal activity with the Gulf Cartel. Luna was also found responsible for killing and mutilating Jose "Franklin" Paz, whose headless body was found off the shore of South Padre Island. Officer Luna was acquitted on murder charges but found guilty for criminal activity; his brother was found guilty of capital murder.
52. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Medical
Incident Date: February 18, 2015
Incident Location: Marfa TX
A Mexican citizen was apprehended by Border Patrol agents on Tuesday, February 17 in Marfa, TX for alleged illegal entry into the country. On Wednesday, February 18th, the man became ill at the Marfa Border Patrol Station. Border Patrol agents allegedly rendered aid and contacted Emergency Medical Services - who were unable to revive the man.
51. Tiano Meton
Age: 25
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 22, 2015
Incident Location: El Paso, Texas
According to CBP, Border Patrol agents shot and killed a man who had driven through a West Texas checkpoint without stopping for an inspection. The shooting happened around 5 pm. Agents pursued the vehicle for 30 miles before it finally stopped. A pistol-shaped pellet gun was recovered from the vehicle.
50. Name Not Released
Age: Not Released
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: January 21, 2015
Incident Location: Chapeno, TX
According to the CBP statement, on January 21, 2015, at approximately 2 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents from Rio Grande City Station responded to drug smuggling activity near the small community of Chapeño, Texas, west of Roma. As the agents secured the narcotics load, one agent searching the area for smugglers came under fire. The agent returned fire striking [and killing] one subject. The FBI, Starr County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the DPS Texas Rangers are investigating the incident. Rio Grande Valley Sector is fully cooperating with the investigation.
2014
12 deaths
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49. Francisco Manuel Cesena
Age: 40
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: December 24, 2014
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, San Diego
According to San Diego Police and the Medical Examiner’s Office, Francisco Manuel Cesena was crossing into the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, when he was detained by the CBP officials. Cesena allegedly jumped over a counter and attacked an official. He collapsed after the official used a taser on him. He was declared dead at the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. A cause of death has not been determined.
48. Adam Thomas
Age: 27
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: November, 8, 2014
Incident Location: Hemet, CA
An off-duty Border Patrol agent, John Demery, confronted a neighbor and fatally shot him multiple times. A six-year veteran of the Border Patrol assigned to the Murrieta station, Demery was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting.
47. Amaro Lopez
Age: 23
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 24, 2014
Incident Location: Southwest of Tucson, AZ
According to the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office, Lopez died of a single gunshot to the head. Two BP agents were after several men in the area of West Hermans and South Sandario roads when one of the men tried to shoot one of the agents. One agent fired his weapon in response. The other members of the group ran off.
46. Unknown
Age: 36
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: October 17, 2014
Incident Location: Holding cell in BP checkpoint between Carlsbad, NM, and El Paso, TX
This person died while in Border Patrol custody in Texas. CBP says the man was found unresponsive in a holding cell at a Border Patrol checkpoint between Carlsbad, NM and El Paso, TX.
45. Aide Fink
Age: 50
Nationality: U.S. Citizen
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: September 25, 2014
Incident Location: Flower Mound, TX (near Dallas)
Police arrested Daniel Fink, a 40-year-old Border Patrol agent, for the murder of his estranged wife while he was off duty. The woman was found with multiple gunshot wounds just after midnight Thursday inside a house on Heather Glen Drive near Glenwick Boulevard. Police say a 16-year-old inside the home called 911. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she died. The woman’s three children, ages 7, 11, and 16, were inside the house at the time of the shooting. Court records show his wife filed for divorce back in August.
44. Unknown
Age: 54
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: September 5, 2014
Incident Location: McAllen Station processing facility, TX
According to news stories, agents find immigrant hanging at McAllen Border Patrol station.
43: Joaquin Tomas Cibrian
Age: 29
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: July 22, 2014
Incident Location: Edinburg, TX
Edinburgh police entered Cibrian's home and a shootout between law enforcement and Cibrian occurred. Edinburgh police called Border Patrol for assistance and Cibrian was killed in the shoot-out.
42. Jose Luis Arambula
Age: 31
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 30, 2014
Incident Location: Green Valley, AZ
Arambula, of Tucson, was shot and killed in Green Valley Friday as he was fleeing Border Patrol agents. One of the agents, Daniel Marquez, fired multiple shots at Arambula, killing him, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The other agent, whose name was not released, did not fire at the suspect. Incident is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department after the FBI declined to investigate.
CBP issued the following statement:
At approximately 2:30 p.m. MST Friday, Border Patrol agents on patrol attempted to conduct a stop on a suspicious vehicle on Interstate 19 (I-19) near Green Valley, Arizona. The vehicle’s driver failed to yield to the agent’s emergency lights and sirens and continued driving. At the intersection of Abrego Drive and Camino Encanto, the driver stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. Agents pursued the driver and during the encounter, an agent discharged his service issued weapon, resulting in the death of the driver. Bundles of marijuana were located in the subject’s vehicle. The Border Patrol is fully cooperating with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office – led investigation.
May 30, 2014 – CBP releases PERF report and new Use of Force Handbook
41. Name Not Released
Age: Unknown (30s)
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: March 10, 2014
Incident Location: Detroit, MI
An off-duty Border Patrol agent from California fatally shot a man in Detroit during a dispute that may have stemmed from a card game. According to news reports, the shooting took place outside a home around 2 a.m. on the city’s east side. Deputy Chief Rodney Johnson says an argument between the agent’s cousin and another man moved outside the home and the other man brandished a gun from inside a vehicle. Johnson says the agent fired several shots at the other man, killing him.
- Police: Off-duty Border Patrol agent kills man. The Washington Times
- https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/off-duty-agent-allegedly-kills-man-in-detroit-after-card-game/
40. Julian Ramirez Galindo (misidentified as Jesús Flores-Cruz)
Age: 41
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: February 18, 2014
Incident Location: Otay Mountains, San Diego
According to San Diego Sheriff’s, two Border Patrol agents split up to cut off a group of three suspected undocumented immigrants. The two agents were out of sight of each other when one of the agents was struck in the face by a rock thrown by one of the suspects. Fearing for his safety, the agent fired his duty pistol at the man, striking him. The agent sustained minor injuries. Mexico condemns the shooting.
CBP issued the following statement:
At 6:30 a.m. PST Tuesday, a Border Patrol agent on patrol on the Otay Mountain in San Diego, Calif., was assaulted by three individuals and struck in the head with a rock. The agent discharged his service-issued weapon, resulting in the death of one individual. The agent apprehended the two other individuals. CBP is fully cooperating with the investigation conducted by the FBI and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
- https://www.kpbs.org/news/public-safety/2014/02/18/border-patrol-agent-fatally-shoots-suspect-otay-ar
- https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/shooting-san-diego-border-patrol-otay-truck-trail/58833/
- https://www.courthousenews.com/border-patrol-shootersued-by-victims-family/
39. Gabriel Sanchez Velazquez
Age: Late 20s
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Jan. 16, 2014
Incident Location: Near Apache and Portal, AZ
Gabriel was part of a group Border Patrol was tracking. Border Patrol agents took two men into custody without incident, but a third fled and was eventually located “hiding under a mesquite bush”. The man reportedly struggled with the agent, attempting to grab the officer’s weapon. “Fearing for his personal safety and potential serious injury, the agent pulled his handgun and fired at the suspect.” The man was struck in the upper body area and “succumbed to his injuries at the scene”. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
38. Keith J. Martin
Age: 35
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: Jan. 2, 2014
Incident Location: Near Hondo, TX
An off-duty Border Patrol agent, Adam S. Garibay, 33, is suspected of killing his wife’s lover, Keith J. Martin, 35. After beating and tying up his wife in Corpus Christi, Garibay drove to Martin’s home on a private road 3 miles north of Hondo, TX, and allegedly shot him to death.
2013
5 deaths
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37. Steven Keith
Age: 58
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Unknown (Medical)
Incident Date: Dec. 25, 2013
Incident Location: Campo Border Patrol Station near San Diego, CA
Keith was arrested Christmas Eve at a border checkpoint on Interstate 8 after Border Patrol agents allegedly discovered drug paraphernalia and trace amounts of methamphetamine inside his vehicle. San Diego Sector Border Patrol officials said he was arrested for illegal possession of drugs and intent to distribute three pounds of marijuana. He was then taken to a holding cell at the Campo Border Patrol station. Six hours after his arrest, he was dead. Border Patrol officials say he became incoherent and unresponsive while in the cell. Border Patrol emergency medics administered CPR to the man and called paramedics.
- San Diego Medical Examiner report released to Al Jazeera
- Border Patrol Criticized After Detainee Death
36. Cruz Marcelino Velazquez
Age: 16
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Drank highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine at the request of CBP (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 18, 2013
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, CA
Velazquez died from drinking a highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine at the San Diego border crossing.
35. Ernesto Gutierrez Cortez
Age: 38
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 19, 2013
Incident Location: Campo, CA
A Border Patrol agent shot at the suspect vehicle when the driver made a U-turn and drove directly at him. Driver sustained non-life threatening injuries.
34. Mathew Simmons
Age: 27
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 21, 2013
Incident Location: Otay Mesa, CA
Border Patrol agents drove up to a car on the side of the road that appeared to have been in an accident. One of the agents checked the car license plate and determined it was a stolen vehicle. Simmons pulled a handgun on the three agents, shooting one of them in the hip. The agents responded with gunfire and killed him.
33. Name Not Released
Age: 51
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Unknown
Incident Date: February, 16, 2013
Incident Location: San Ysidro port of entry, CA
A man crossed into the United States in a vehicle with two other US citizen relatives. They were directed to an inspection area and the man was handcuffed and walked into the security area. Once inside, the handcuffs were removed so the man could empty his pockets. As he placed his items on a counter, he collapsed. According to CBP, agents did not use any force on the suspect when taking him into custody or transporting him for processing. The cause of the man’s death is unknown.
- Deaths and Injuries in CBP encounters since January 2010 (including off-duty incidents and when CBP was acting as backup) (as of May 2016)
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-border-death-2013feb17-story.html
2012
17 deaths
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32. Margarito Lopez Morelos
Age: 19
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Dec. 2, 2012
Incident Location: Baboquivari Mountains, AZ
Margarito was shot and killed after a struggle with a Border Patrol agent.
31. José Antonio Elena Rodriguez
Age: 16
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Oct. 10, 2012
Incident Location: Nogales, Sonora
José was shot multiple times in the back and killed after reportedly throwing rocks at Border Patrol agents.
- Border Patrol shooting of Mexican teen draws condemnation
- Mexican teen killed by U.S. border agents was shot SEVEN times in the back after throwing rocks across border
30. Nicholas J. Ivie
Age: 30
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: October 2, 2012
Location: Near Bisbee, AZ
Nicholas was shot and killed in a friendly fire incident.
29. Valeria Munique Tachiquin-Alvarado
Age: 32
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Sept. 28, 2012
Incident Location: Chula Vista, CA
A plain-clothed Border Patrol agent shot and killed Tachiquin in a residential suburb of San Diego. The agent alleged she had struck him and was carrying him on top of her car prompting him to fire in self defense. Witnesses tell conflicting stories. The Border Patrol agent involved had a very troubling record when he worked as a sheriff’s deputy. The Imperial Valley Sheriff’s Department ultimately issued the agent a notice of termination for “unprofessional conduct, dishonesty, violation of or refusal to obey reasonable regulations, insubordination, violation of rules, incompetence and failure to follow proper procedures for arrest, search and seizure and treatment of persons in custody.”
- 10 News investigative series on agent Justin Tackett
- CBS News Reports on the Killing of Valeria Munique Tachiquin
- Claim filed against Border Patrol in woman’s death
- California Woman Valeria Alvarado Fatally Shot by Border Patrol Agent
28. Guillermo Arévalo Pedroza
Age: 36
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Sept. 3, 2012
Incident Location: Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Guillermo was shot and killed while at a barbeque with his wife and daughters. Border Patrol agents claim they were under attack from rock throwers on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. A video of the shooting didn’t show any rock throwing.
Eyewitness video:
27. Juan Pablo Perez Santillán
Age: 30
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: July 7, 2012
Incident Location: Near Matamoros, Mexico
Juan Pablo was shot and killed while standing on the banks of the Rio Grande. Border Patrol claims Perez Santillán was throwing rocks; witnesses in Mexico say he was unarmed.
- Mexico Accuses Border Patrol of Shooting Underage Mexican
- ‘My brother … he’s dead’: Mourning after border shooting
- Dispara agente de la Patrulla Fronteriza y mata a mexicano
- Condenan muerte de mexicano a manos de agente fronterizo de EE.UU.
- U.S. Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Man Across border
26. Charles Robinson
Age: 75
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 23, 2012
Incident Location: Jackman, ME
Charles was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents during a confrontation at his residence. He was reportedly intoxicated and believed to be injured.
- Man killed, border agent wounded in Maine shooting
- Report of Attorney General William J. Schneider on the Use of Deadly Force by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Jackman
25. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
24. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
23. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
22. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
21. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
20. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
19. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
18. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected immigrant smuggler.
17. Unknown
Age: Unknown
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Car chase (Vehicle collision)
Incident Date: April 11, 2012
Incident Location: Palmview, TX
Nine people died and seven were hospitalized in a crash involving Border Patrol agents and a suspected smuggler.
16. Alexander Arthur Martin
Age: 34
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of death: Death in vehicle explosion (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 15, 2012
Incident Location: Near Campo, CA
Alexander died in a car explosion that may have been caused by Border Patrol tasers. Border Patrol agents chased Martin’s car after he began driving the wrong way down the highway.
- Border Explosion Death Investigated as Homicide
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-did-border-agents-taser-spark-deadly-fire-2012apr10-story.html
2011
9 deaths
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15. Byron Sosa Orellana
Age: 28
Nationality: Guatemalan
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: December 6, 2011
Incident Location: Near Sells, AZ
Byron was shot and killed after allegedly assaulting an agent and police dog.
14. Gerardo Rico Lozano
Age: 20
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: November 3, 2011
Incident Location: Near Corpus Christi, TX
Gerardo was shot and killed after allegedly driving towards Border Patrol agents who pulled over his vehicle.
13. Omar Olivares
Age: 28
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Off-duty homicide)
Incident Date: Sept. 15, 2011
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
An off-duty agent got into a shootout with his wife’s cousin, who was killed at the scene. The Border Patrol agent died later at the Ft. Duncan Medical Center. It is unknown how the shooting started. According to EPPD approx. 36-38 rounds were shot by both individuals. Olivares was shot approximately four times by the agent and the agent was shot seven times.
12. Jose Alfredo Yañez Reyes
Age: 40
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 21, 2011
Incident Location: Tijuana, Mexico
José Alfredo was shot and killed while suspected of attempting to cross the border irregularly. Agents claim suspected border crossers were throwing rocks; it’s unclear if he was involved in the rock throwing.
- Agent’s shot kills rock thrower at border fence
- Border shooting reignites use of force debate
- Incident that ended with agent fatally shooting man restarts debate about patrol’s response to ‘rocking’
- Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting at the Border
- ACLU Calls for Probe in Border Shooting
11. Amado Rodriguez
Age: 46
Nationality: Unknown, born in Sinaloa, Mexico
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: April 18, 2011
Incident Location: Fabens, TX
The Fabens Border Patrol Station was contacted by the El Paso Sheriff’s Office to provide backup for El Paso Sheriff’s deputies on scene. The El Paso Sheriff’s Office SWAT team also arrived on the scene. The El Paso Sheriff’s Department has conducted several investigations into the shooting, including an Internal Affairs investigation. The results of the investigations have not been released, but family members claimed in a new story that Rodriguez, who has been in a wheelchair since age 17, was improperly shot by law enforcement agents responding to the scene.
- https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/legal-documents/may_2016_dead_and_injured_by_cbp_officials.pdf
- http://wildcat.arizona.edu/139631/uncategorized/fabens-man-shot-killed-during-swat-standoff/
10. Carlos Lamadrid
Age: 19
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: March 21, 2011
Incident Location: Douglas, AZ
Carlos was shot 3 times in the back and killed by a Border Patrol agent while fleeing across the border into Mexico, reportedly transporting marijuana. The agent was allegedly under attack by an individual throwing rocks when he fired.
9. Alex Martinez
Age: 30
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Feb. 27, 2011
Incident Location: Whatcom County, WA
Alex was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents while allegedly swinging a hammer and smashing windows in his mobile home. Martinez had a history of mental problems.His brother says Martinez complied with commands to step out of the house. What officers believed to be a gun in his possession was in fact a flashlight.
8. Roberto Pérez Pérez
Age: 63
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Lack of medical care after being beaten (Medical)
Incident Date: January 13, 2011
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
Roberto was beaten while in detention for trying to re-enter the U.S. and died due to lack of proper medical care.
7. Ramses Barron Torres
Age: 17
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Jan. 5, 2011
Incident Location: Nogales, Mexico
Ramses was shot and killed after allegedly throwing rocks at Border Patrol agents. Witnesses deny he threw rocks. DOJ stated in their press release closing their investigation that they reviewed surveillance videos, but videos have not been released publicly.
- More accounts emerge following deadly border shooting
- Federal Officials Close the Investigation into the Death of Ramses Barron-Torres
- Mexico official: Teen was fatally shot at border
- CASE closed by DOJ: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/August/13-crt-908.html
2010
6 deaths
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6. Juan Mendez, Jr.
Age: 18
Nationality: Unknown
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: Oct. 5, 2010
Incident Location: Eagle Pass, TX
Juan was shot in the back twice and killed by a Border Patrol agent after being involved in a car chase. Mendez was stopped by the officer for driving with a “suspicious load” and took off running; he briefly struggled with the agent before the shooting.
5. Sergio Adrian Hernandez-Guereca
Age: 15
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: June 7, 2010
Incident Location: El Paso, TX
Sergio was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after a group of suspected undocumented immigrants reportedly threw rocks at agents at an international bridge. Guereca was on Mexican soil; the agent was 12 yards from the border on the U.S. side.
- Family of Mexican teen killed by border agent sues U.S.
- Cell Phone Video of Incident
- Case closed by DOJ
Eyewitness video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wI2Q1XikLw
4. Anastasio Hernandez Rojas
Age: 42
Nationality: Mexican, San Diego resident since age 18
Cause of Death: Tortured to death (Use of force)
Incident Date: May 28, 2010
Incident Location: San Diego, CA
Longtime San Diego resident; tortured to death by CBP officers at a Border Patrol station as he resisted being deported.
- Crossing the Line at the Border
- Update: Crossing the line
- Calls For Justice In Tasing Death At The Hands Of Border Agents
- San Diego Police Investigate the Death of a Mexican Man Resisting Deportation
Eyewitness videos:
3. Neil Begin
Age: 54
Nationality: U.S.
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of force)
Incident Date: April 23, 2010
Incident Location: Near Van Buren, ME
Border Patrol agent, Robert Kipler, assigned to the Van Buren Station of the Houlton Sector, responded to a residence located just south of Van Buren, to back up a Maine State Trooper investigating an ongoing domestic dispute. Agents entered the residence with the State Trooper and confronted the subject [who] appeared to be holding a bolt-action rifle. The State Trooper and BP agent discharged their weapons at the subject. The subject was struck by some of the rounds fired, and collapsed to the floor. EMS arrived and transported the subject to a local hospital for emergency treatment and later transported by life-flight to a hospital in Bangor, Maine. The subject died the next morning. The Maine State Attorney General’s report later found that Agent Robert Kipler fired 14 shots, and Kipler fired the fatal shot. The Attorney General also found the shooting to be justified.
2. Victor Santillan de la Cruz
Age: 36
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal Shooting (Use of Force)
Incident Date: March 31, 2010
Incident Location: Laredo, TX
Victor was shot and killed during a struggle with a Border Patrol agent.
- Man Shot At Border Had History Of Illegal Entry
- Man shot by Border Patrol agent identified
- OIG report – page 19
1. Jorge A. Solis-Palma
Age: 28
Nationality: Mexican
Cause of Death: Fatal shooting (Use of Force)
Incident Date: Jan. 4, 2010
Incident Location: Douglas, AZ
Jorge was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after reportedly throwing a rock and injuring an agent and his dog. Incident was captured on a surveillance camera.