Illegal Alien from Mexico Dies in U.S. Custody

OTAY MESA, CA – On Jan. 12, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m., a Border Patrol remote camera operator spotted nine suspected illegal aliens cross into the United States in an industrial area west of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.  The camera operator radioed to Border Patrol agents, who responded to the area.  A Border Patrol agent apprehended a 38-year-old citizen of Mexico north of the secondary Border Barrier.

The illegal alien was placed into a marked Border Patrol vehicle and transported to the Port of Entry for processing.  After arriving at the Port of Entry, the illegal immigrant became ill and eventually unresponsive.  Border Patrol agents and a Customs and Border Protection Emergency Medical Technician called for Emergency Medical Services, utilized an automated external defibrillator, and performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation on the man.  

The San Diego Fire Department arrived at the scene and took over lifesaving efforts. However, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PST, San Diego County EMS personnel declared the man deceased. 

This incident is being investigated by the San Diego Police Department and is being reviewed by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Per established procedures in San Diego County, at the conclusion of the San Diego Police Department’s investigation, the incident will be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General also responded to the scene.