U.S. Border Patrol Agents Rescue Two From All American Canal

Calexico, Calif. – On January 26, 2012, Border Patrol agents from the Calexico Station worked together to rescue two illegal aliens from the swift currents of the All American Canal.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m., after Border Patrol agents using a remote video surveillance system (RVSS) observed five suspected illegal aliens enter the All American Canal and attempt to swim across. Agents responding observed two of the individuals being swept away by the hazardous current and having trouble staying afloat.

RVSS operators immediately notified nearby agents who responded to the crisis;: responding agents deployed rescue throw bags and assisted the victims out of the All American Canal to safety.

This incident serves as a reminder that a moving body of water, such as the All American Canal, while appearing calm can be extremely dangerous. Smugglers operate with little concern for illegal aliens as they continually place them in life threatening situations. Both individuals were found to be wearing life preserving vests, but still struggled to free themselves from the water.

All subjects were unharmed and found to be Mexican citizens illegally present in the U.S. The group was transported to the Calexico Border Patrol station for processing.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.