Border Patrol Agents Rescue 4 Drowning Men ‘Screaming For Help’ While Attempting To Illegally Enter

Image Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Original Article

CALEXICO, Calif. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector, rescued four distressed people, in two separate events, who were drowning in area canals Monday evening.

The first rescue occurred at approximately 6:47 p.m., when agents observed three individuals suspected of making an illegal entry into the United States enter a canal, east of downtown Calexico.

As agents approached the canal, they witnessed three men struggling to swim and screaming for help. Agents quickly deployed multiple rescue devices and pulled the individuals to safety. Agents rendered first aid to the men who declined further medical attention.

The three men, all Mexican citizens, were arrested on suspicion of having illegally enter the United States and transported to the Calexico Border Patrol Station for processing.

The second incident occurred at approximately 7:49 p.m., when an agent patrolling the canals east of Calexico, heard a man yelling for help. The agent responded to the area, and witnessed an individual struggling to stay afloat in the water. Due to the high flowing water and extremely dangerous situation, the agent requested the assistance of Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR).

Teams from both the El Centro Sector and Yuma Sector responded to the emergency and extracted the man from the water. The man appeared to be suffering from hypothermia and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

“We thank our agents for the selfless acts they displayed yesterday,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “Saving human lives is always a top concern for our agents.”