Multiple federal agencies are investigating the death of a non-citizen near the Canadian border as part of a human smuggling operation.
A man's body was discovered in Ferndale near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks on June 20, according to a June 26 news release from the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection also are working on the investigation.
The man has been identified as Chayane Silva-Perez, 23, of Mexico. Authorities determined his cause of death to be multiple blunt impact injuries. The incident has been ruled an accident, according to Deborah Hollis with the Whatcom County Medical Examiner's Office.
"The death in Ferndale is a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with human smuggling," special agent in charge Robert Hammer said in the release. Hammer oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. "These illicit activities not only jeopardize the lives of those being smuggled but also pose significant risks to our communities."
Human smuggling attempts using the rail line into Washington have increased in recent months, according to the release.
Authorities have yet to release an identity or cause of death.
The Herald published articles about two recent incidents in April when four people suspected of being involved in human smuggling near Blaine were indicted, and the arrest of two men who were caught with three non-citizens that were smuggled in from Canada.
Homeland Security released no other details of the investigation. Those with information about the incident are asked to contact the HSI tip line at 1-877-447-4847.
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