EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Four migrants died last weekend due to heat stroke and dehydration after attempting to cross the border illegally in the El Paso Sector, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
U.S. CBP says agents responded to several emergencies last weekend involving people suffering from severe heat-related illnesses.
“Tragically, there have been four deaths due to heat stroke and dehydration during last weekend, underscoring the lethal risks associated with illegal border crossings during extreme weather conditions,” CBP said.
CBP says the El Paso Sector is seeing an increase in heat and dehydration injuries and fatalities in migrants attempting to cross the border illegally as temperatures have risen above 100 degrees recently.
“The El Paso Sector Border Patrol is intensifying its efforts to prevent these tragedies through increased patrols and deployment of specialized Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Teams (BORSTAR). These BORSTAR teams are equipped with advanced technology, including drones and heat-sensing devices, to locate and assist distressed individuals more rapidly,” CBP said.
CBP says more than 656 humanitarian rescues have been conducted in the El Paso Sector in Fiscal Year 2024.
CBP also says the community is encouraged to report any sightings of distressed individuals to appropriate authorities by calling 911.
The El Paso Sector also includes New Mexico.
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