CALEXICO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Station rescued a drowning man who had illegally entered the United States Saturday morning.
The incident occurred approximately three miles west of the Calexico West Port of Entry at around 4:45 a.m. Remote Video Surveillance System agents observed a man crossing the Mexico/United States international border near the All-American Canal.
Agents responded the scene. Agents observed the man enter the All-American canal and attempt to swim across the canal. Agents observed the man struggle and splash wildly as his head dipped under the water’s surface.
An agent quickly reacted and successfully deployed a water rescue bag to pull the man out of the water.
During the health assessment the man claimed to have had a seizure while trying to cross the All-American Canal.
“This rescue is another reminder of the risks and dangers associated with illegally crossing into the United States. The lifesaving event can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of our agents who work tirelessly to protect and secure the Southwest Border,” said Michael Sullivan Patrol Agent in Charge of the El Centro Station.
The man, a 48-year-old citizen of Mexico, was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Later, the Border Patrol processed the man for removal.
