The woman, believed to be part of that group, was found unresponsive and could not be revived, the agency said. The San Diego Medical Examiner took custody of her body after responding to the area.
“This is yet another example of the ruthless tactics smuggling organizations use to bolster their power and profits.” San Diego Sector’s Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said in the written statement. “We will work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for this tragedy.”
The agency said it apprehended 36 Mexican citizens who swam across the border, including 13 who were rescued from the water by the US Coast Guard. All 36 were taken to a Border Patrol station for processing.
But the numbers don’t represent all migrant border deaths because state and local agencies may recover bodies without involving Border Patrol — meaning the number of deaths is likely higher.
A majority of migrant border deaths have been related to heat exposure, according to the agency. Migrants often face dangerous terrain and can get lost as they try to make their way to the US.