Man Dies Attempting to Climb Border Fence
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
BROWNSVILLE ( News Release) - On June 16, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) assigned to the Brownsville Station were notified of a person falling from the International Boundary Fence, approximately two and a half miles west of the Gateway International Port of Entry in Brownsville, TX. BPAs responded to the location and found a male Mexican national, lying on the ground with a significant injury to his lower leg. The BPAs immediately requested emergency medical services (EMS).
Brownsville EMS arrived at the location and transported the man to the Valley Regional Medical Center in Harlingen, TX, for assessment and treatment of his injuries. While at the hospital, the man tested positive for COVID-19. The man was subsequently transferred to the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen where he underwent two separate surgeries to treat injuries sustained from the fall. The man did not regain consciousness following the administration of anesthesia and remained hospitalized in critical condition.
On July 16, 2021, the man was removed from life support and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel while under hospital watch by CBP.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified.