Woman dies after falling from border fence near Otay Mesa

A second woman was also injured in the incident near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a torn, twisted piece of metal fence material against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the dangers and human cost of illegal border crossings.A grim reminder of the dangers and human toll of illegal border crossings, as seen in the twisted remnants of a border fence.San Diego Today

A woman trying to illegally enter the U.S. died Friday when she fell from the secondary border fence about a mile west of the Otay Mesa border crossing, officials said. A second woman trying to climb the fence shortly before 9:40 a.m. also fell and was injured, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing dangers and risks associated with illegal border crossings, which have resulted in numerous injuries and deaths over the years. It also underscores the challenges faced by border authorities in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

The details

The woman who died was a Mexican national, according to the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. The consulate said it was in contact with her relatives and would try to arrange for the eventual repatriation of her remains. The second woman who fell was transported to a hospital for treatment, but the extent of her injuries and her condition were not released.

  • The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2026.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency responsible for securing the U.S. borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.

Mexican Consulate in San Diego

The diplomatic representation of the Mexican government in San Diego, responsible for assisting and protecting Mexican nationals in the region.

Alicia Kerber Palma

The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, who issued a statement regarding the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'A single death is unacceptable. Assistance and protection for Mexicans abroad is the Mexican government's highest priority.'”

— Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego

What’s next

The Mexican Consulate in San Diego said it would work to arrange for the repatriation of the woman's remains to her family in Mexico.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost and dangers associated with illegal border crossings, and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both border authorities and migrants seeking to enter the United States.