(NEWS 8) — Two Guatemalan teens were severely injured near Yuma, Arizona, on Friday after they fell from an 18-foot border wall while attempting to illegally enter the United States, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities say that at approximately 1 p.m. that day six migrants from Guatemala illegally crossed into the U.S. by scaling the border wall east of the San Luis Port of Entry in Arizona.
A 14-year-old, who was traveling with her mother, fell from the wall sustaining a serious back injury.
An unaccompanied 17-year-old girl was also injured while attempting to cross after the other teen. She also fell and sustained an ankle injury.
“The only legal and safe method of entry into the United States is through a designated Port of Entry,” said Yuma Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Carl Landrum. “People entering our country illegally, at places other than designated Ports of Entry, put themselves and their families in dangerous situations that could result in significant injury or even death.”
After the teens were injured, Yuma Station Border Patrol agents arrived at the scene and called from help from the local emergency medical services. Border Patrol agents trained as Emergency Medical Technicians used a backboard and assisted the local emergency personnel in stabilizing the two girls, according to CBP.
Both teens were taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center. The 17-year-old was treated and later released. The 14-year-old was transferred to a Phoenix hospital via helicopter. The remaining four migrants were taken into custody.