Border Patrol rescues two undocumented migrants suffering heat stress in remote San Diego mountains
Border Patrol agents saved two illegal entrants who were suffering heat-related illness while crossing rugged terrain east of San Diego in late July and early August.
In late July, a Border Patrol surveillance unit spotted a person struggling near Cottonwood Canyon; agents arrived within an hour, found him unable to walk, and, with emergency medical personnel, carried him out and transported him to a hospital. On August 1, local law enforcement reported a missing individual in the Jacumba Mountains showing signs of heat exhaustion as temperatures neared 107 °F; agents from the San Diego and El Centro sectors supplied water, ice and heat-stress supplies, located the man, administered first aid and arranged an airlift to the Jacumba Interchange for ambulance transport.
Both rescued individuals were identified as being in the United States illegally and will face removal after they are medically cleared. Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre warned that cartel smugglers exploit the harsh terrain without regard for migrants’ safety. The incidents highlight the life-threatening risks of clandestine border crossings in extreme summer heat. U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed the removal processing plan.
Why it matters
The rescues show how dangerous illegal border crossings have become in remote, scorching terrain.
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