Border Patrol agents in California shot at from Mexico while detaining migrants

Border Patrol agents arresting a group of undocumented immigrants last Monday night near the US-Mexico border were fired upon by assailants suspected to have been on the Mexico side of the border.

According to a statement from the US Customs and Border Protection agency, on August 9 at around 9pm, the agents were arresting a group of migrants near Otay Mountain in San Diego County, California.

The agents were "approximately two miles east of the Otay Mesa gatehouse and approximately 250 yards north of the international border," according to the statement, which was initially released in Spanish.

While escorting those arrested to the agents' vehicles, the agents reportedly heard gunshots heading in the direction of where they were, and ordered the migrants to take shelter behind bushes while they took cover as well.

Marine Air Operations (AMO) and the tactical unit (BORTAC) immediately responded to the area, but could not locate the suspects.

"The international liaison unit requested the assistance of Mexican authorities, which responded south of the border in the area where the shots were suspected to have originated," read the statement.

Area residents reported seeing people flee the area on the Mexican side of the border in a pickup truck and a motorcycle.

According to the statement, no other information on the suspects could be obtained.

"Border violence is a serious threat to public safety, and to border agents responsible for national security. This incident is another example of the dangers our officers face every day." said San Diego Sector Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke. "We are taking this event very seriously."

The incident is currently under investigation and patrols in the area have been increased.

According to US Customs and Border Patrol, the incident comes just days after a shooting was reported by Border Patrol agent in El Paso, Texas.

"In that incident, surveillance camera operators from that sector confirmed the presence of two subjects armed with high-caliber rifles firing toward the North American side of the Rio Grande," the statement reads.