Incident Near Mount Cristo Rey Involving Border Patrol and Migrant

A Border Patrol agent was assaulted and bitten by a migrant during an illegal border crossing attempt near Mount Cristo Rey, New Mexico, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement at the southern border.

At a Glance

Border Patrol agent attacked and bitten by migrant near Mount Cristo Rey, New Mexico.
Incident occurred on September 19, 2024, at approximately 12:50 p.m.
Agent suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local medical facility.
One migrant arrested for assault, three others fled to Mexico and were detained by Mexican authorities.
413 border agents have been assaulted this fiscal year, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Violent Encounter at the Southern Border

On September 19, 2024, a U.S. Border Patrol agent faced a violent encounter while performing his duties near Mount Cristo Rey in New Mexico. The agent, assigned to the Santa Teresa Station, responded to a group of illegal border crossers in the Sunland Park area around 12:50 p.m. What began as a routine apprehension quickly escalated into a dangerous situation.

As the agent attempted to take the undocumented individuals into custody, one of the migrants physically assaulted him. The attack took a shocking turn when the migrant bit the agent, causing non-life-threatening injuries. This brazen act of violence against a law enforcement officer underscores the risks faced by those tasked with securing our nation’s borders.

BREAKING: Mexican police have three people in custody following an assault on a U.S. Border Patrol agent in New Mexico.https://t.co/PzeapBL8QH

— Border Report (@BorderReportcom) September 19, 2024

Swift Response and Aftermath

Following the assault, the Border Patrol agent was immediately transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment. The assailant, described as an unidentified foreign national, was promptly arrested for assault and also taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. This swift action ensured that the perpetrator was held accountable for the attack on a federal agent.

The incident involved a group of four migrants. While one was apprehended in the United States, the other three managed to flee back into Mexico. However, their escape was short-lived. Mexican authorities swiftly detained the trio, demonstrating the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing illegal immigration and related crimes.

A Dangerous Corridor for Border Crossings

The Sunland Park area, where this incident occurred, is known as a busy corridor for illegal border crossings. Local emergency services frequently receive calls about asylum seekers injured from falling off the border wall near the Mount Cristo Rey monument. This latest assault on a Border Patrol agent further highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers in this particular sector.

The incident at Mount Cristo Rey is not an isolated case. According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 413 border agents have been assaulted this fiscal year alone. This alarming statistic underscores the growing risks faced by those tasked with protecting our nation’s borders and the urgent need for enhanced security measures and support for our law enforcement officers.