3 Migrants Die While Crossing CA Border Amid Storm: Border Patrol

SAN DIEGO, CA — Three migrants died during two separate border crossings last week in the Otay Mesa Wilderness area of San Diego County, officials said Thursday.

Both incidents happened Friday when temperatures in the area "dropped to near-freezing levels" amid a late-winter storm in the region, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Border Patrol agents responding to a call for help Friday night found a dead woman near the Cuchama Truck Trail. The victim and another woman who had called for help had both illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border about five miles west of the Tecate Port of Entry, according to CBP.

Agents responding to another call less than an hour later found a 16-year-old girl and two dead men.

The girl was taken to a hospital for treatment and later transported to a Border Patrol station for processing. One of the victims was the girl's father, according to CBP. They had illegally crossed the border and called for help after getting lost and experiencing hypothermia symptoms.

"Our message for anyone who might attempt an illegal crossing into the U.S. is simple: Don't do it," said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, acting chief patrol of the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector. "The Otay Mountain wilderness is unpredictable and unforgiving. Extreme conditions and harsh terrain can lead to injuries and death to you or your loved ones, so don't break the law and avoid the risk."