SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A migrant died earlier this week after a medical emergency near the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
CBP officials stated a person “in medical distress” approached Border Patrol agents at around 5:45 a.m. on Oct. 11. That person then experienced a medical emergency, prompting agents to perform first aid measures.
The person was taken to an area hospital but passed away after arrival, CBP officials confirmed. The cause of death was unknown.
The American Friends Service Committee of San Diego, an advocacy group for migrant workers and their families, said the person who died was a 29-year-old woman from Guinea.
The group said the woman was waiting between the border barriers to be processed.
"This was bound to happen, and as I mentioned, this is going to keep happening if these individuals are kept in these conditions," said Alexander Tenorio, a resident physician.
Tenorio said he's seen numerous medical emergencies from migrants at the border.
"Broken bones from falling off the wall... We have seen children with fevers," he said.
But, Tenorio said they can only reach between the spaces of the border fence to treat small wounds.
"There needs to be trained professionals across all specialties or someone that is able to triage them appropriately," he said.
Human Rights organizations built an altar at the border wall in honor of the woman.
The American Friends Service Committee of San Diego is calling for more medical resources at the border and for the federal government to provide a safer, more efficient way for people to seek asylum.
"Holding people in these open-air detention sites is not only inhumane, it's an affront to human dignity," said Pedro Rios, the organization's director.
ABC 10News’ media partner, KBPS, reported the woman was waiting to be processed by the Border Patrol and had been staying at an open-air camp just west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, between the border barriers.
