Mexican military search for equipment used to traffic drugs and humans in an area in the Valley of Juárez on Feb. 5, 2025. The soldiers were deployed as part of the binational agreement between Mexico and the U.S. to avoid tariffs on Mexican exports to the U.S.
San Diego, California – San Diego Border Patrol agents braved near-freezing temperatures to rescue two injured Mexican women stranded in the rugged Otay Mountain wilderness, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported. The women, who had illegally crossed the border, were unable to walk due to ankle injuries and were running out of food and water. One of the women was reportedly pregnant.
The rescue began just after midnight on Friday when Mexican authorities alerted U.S. Border Patrol about two women in distress. Agents located them roughly six miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, deep in a remote canyon.
Upon arrival, agents discovered both women immobilized by ankle injuries. The frigid night and dense fog made an immediate air rescue impossible, as medical evacuation helicopters were grounded due to poor visibility.
Recognizing the dangers of exposure, Border Patrol’s elite Search Trauma and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) set up a makeshift shelter to protect the women from the elements. Throughout the night, temperatures dropped dangerously low due to a passing cold front. The agents stayed with the women, providing assistance until conditions improved.
As soon as the weather cleared the next morning, a San Diego Sheriff’s Department helicopter extracted the women, transporting them to a nearby fire station for medical evaluation. Once their injuries were assessed and cleared, CBP processed the women for removal from the U.S.
CBP officials reiterated the life-threatening risks of crossing the border illegally, particularly in remote areas with extreme terrain and unpredictable weather.
“I’m extremely proud of the Border Patrol agents who work tirelessly to safeguard our nation while also rendering aid to those in distress,” said San Diego Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “The border region can be treacherous, with extreme weather and rugged terrain posing serious dangers. Entering illegally not only breaks the law but also puts lives at risk.”
CBP continues to urge individuals to avoid illegal crossings and seek lawful immigration channels. The agency encourages the public to report suspicious activity by calling 911 or the San Diego Sector tip line at 619-498-9900.
This latest incident highlights the harsh realities and humanitarian challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal crossings can turn deadly in an instant.
