San Diego, CA–The U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector in collaboration with the Government of Mexico conducted an operation last Wednesday targeting the organization believed to be responsible for the assault on a Border Patrol agent.
A total of five individuals were arrested, including one United States Citizen. Ammunition, narcotics, vehicles, and a cache of makeshift ladders used for smuggling purposes were also seized.
On August 28, at approximately 3:15 a.m., two miles east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, a Border Patrol agent was assaulted in the line of duty. The agent was attempting to apprehend approximately 12 to 15 migrants who were in between the primary and secondary border walls. When the group was alerted to the agent’s presence in the area, they scaled the primary border wall and absconded back into Mexico. As the lone agent attempted to recover the makeshift ladder used by the group, a member of the group grabbed the ladder and a struggle ensued.
Under the cover of darkness, a smuggler in Mexico struck out at the agent through a slot in the wall, hitting the agent with a large object, believed to be a 2×4 board. The injured Border Patrol agent retrieved the ladder and retreated to safety. Backup agents quickly arrived at the site and transported the injured agent to a local hospital where she was treated for contusions and facial lacerations.
Border Patrol officials said the incident represents the third assault against its agents in San Diego during the past month. It also adds to other recent incidents, including shots fired at agents in San Diego and Texas, prompting a response from U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz.
“U.S. Border Patrol agents continue their unwavering commitment to provide border and national security to the American public despite recent attacks against them along our Southwest border. We take these threats and acts of violence seriously and will do everything we can to identify and bring to justice those who seek to harm the men and women of the Border Patrol,” said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz.
Immediately following the assault, the U.S. Border Patrol Foreign Operations Branch began coordination with the government of Mexico to target the Transnational Criminal Organization responsible for the assault, sharing current information of known smugglers in the area where the assault took place with Mexican officials to assist in the investigation.
