Mexican Illegal Immigrant Dies in Fall from Border Wall

SUNLAND PARK, NM – On Dec. 14, 2021, a National Guardsman operating an infrared camera observed a group of suspected illegal aliens climbing over the International Border Barrier approximately six- and three-quarter miles east of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, near Sunland Park, New Mexico. 

The National Guardsman observed the last immigrant appeared to be stuck at the top of the IBB before falling and landing at its base where he remained motionless.   A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, responded to the location and discovered an unresponsive migrant, later identified as a citizen of Mexico, who suffered significant head trauma from the fall. The BP agent immediately requested emergency medical services for the man.  

An American Medical Response ambulance arrived on location and subsequently transported the man to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, for treatment.  The man was admitted and received medical treatment while under hospital watch by Customs and Border Protection. 

On Dec. 16, 2021, the man was declared deceased by medical staff.

The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing this incident.  The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified.