A Mexican immigrant suffered an injury to his left ankle while trying to elude Border Patrol officers, but died seven hours after being detained, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office reported Monday.
The Mexican and the other six immigrants were detected by border agents on January 13 in a remote location northwest of the Lukeville, Arizona port of entry.
In a statement, CBP explained that the Mexican was treated at the place of detention by a Border Patrol emergency technician, who observed bruising and slight swelling on the migrant’s left foot.
After the medical evaluation, the Mexican along with the other six migrants were transported in vehicles to the post of the Lukeville border station and then to the Ajo Border Patrol station, where the man complained of pain that extended from the ankle to pelvis.
The station doctor recommended that the Mexican be transported to the nearest emergency room for x-rays and further evaluation.
Initially, the Mexican said he did not want any further medical treatment and asked to be returned to Mexico. However, he later changed his mind and accepted the treatment.
The man was sent to the nearest medical center, but on the way he became agitated and began to kick the seats of the Patrol that was transporting him, forcing the vehicle to stop. After the man calmed down and said he felt better, the vehicle continued on its way.
When the Border Patrol vehicle arrived at the hospital, the man appeared to have fallen asleep, but when they tried to lower him, he was dead.
The Mexican was declared dead seven hours after his arrest.
The Maricopa County Coroner’s Department conducted an autopsy on January 15 but has not yet delivered a report on the causes of the Mexican’s death.
CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the incident.