Three migrants die crossing California-Mexico border during storm

Three migrants died last week while trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border during a severe storm. The incidents occurred on March 14 in the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area, which is north of the border. Border Patrol officials reported that a woman and two men died in separate situations during heavy rain and cold temperatures. The storm created dangerous conditions for anyone attempting the crossing. The next night, another migrant needed help after injuring his ankle; he was rescued by an Army helicopter. Officials stressed that crossing the border illegally can be very risky, especially in extreme weather. San Diego’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent, Jeffrey Stalnaker, warned people not to attempt such crossings. He described the Otay Mountain wilderness as "unpredictable and unforgiving." In the first case, a woman called for help and was found with another woman who had died. They had crossed into the U.S. about five miles from the Tecate Port of Entry. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances around the woman’s death. About an hour later, another group called for assistance after becoming lost. They were suffering from hypothermia and had little food and water. Border Patrol agents rescued a 16-year-old girl alive, but her father and another man died. The girl was taken to a hospital before being processed by the Border Patrol. So far this fiscal year, at least 14 migrants have died while trying to cross the border in the San Diego area. This follows previous years with a significant number of fatalities during illegal crossings. The storm last week brought about an inch of rain across San Diego County, with morning and evening temperatures dropping to the low to mid-40s.