Teens injured after falling off border wall

Two teens were injured after falling off the 18-foot border wall while trying to illegally enter the United States Friday, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CBP officials said at about 1 p.m. Friday, six undocumented immigrants from Guatemala illegally crossed into the U.S. east of the San Luis Port of Entry by climbing over the border wall. A 14-year-old girl, who was traveling with her mother, fell off the wall and suffered a serious back injury. Soon after, A 17-year-old girl also fell off the wall and suffered 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.”

Yuma Station Border Patrol agents, along with emergency medical technicians, arrived at the scene moments later and stabilized the two individuals. The remaining four immigrants were taken into custody.

The 14-year-old was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center where she was transferred to a Phoenix hospital via helicopter. The 17-year-old was treated for her injuries at Yuma Regional Medical Center and was later released.

Authorities are warning potential border crossers about the dangers with illegally crossing into the United States. Signs have been placed along the border east of the San Luis Port of Entry.