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  4. El Centro Sector Border Patrol Rescues Illegal Alien from the All American Canal

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Rescues Illegal Alien from the All American Canal

Release Date
Thu, 03/07/2013

CALEXICO, CALIF.—Yesterday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station successfully rescued an illegal alien from the powerful currents of the All American Canal.

The incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m., when a Border Patrol agent operating a mobile surveillance scope observed an individual on the south bank of the All-American Canal east of Calexico waving for help. The agent immediately notified nearby agents to respond to the call for help. Responding agents encountered a 27-year-old male Mexican national who notified them of another male in the canal struggling to stay above water. Agents spotted the man, 34, and successfully deployed rescue throw bags for the man to grab. The man reached the bags and agents pulled the 225 pound drowning man out of the All American Canal to safety.

An agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, attended to the man and concluded that he did not require any further medical assistance.

The two men were determined to be Mexican citizens illegally present in the United States. The illegal aliens were transported to the Calexico Border Patrol station for processing and further evaluation.

El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Carla L. Provost said, "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 and further exemplifies the efforts Border Patrol agents undertake to preserve human life in the course of their duties."

The El Centro Border Patrol's "See Something, Say Something" Campaign is a simple and effective program to increase the safety and welfare of the Imperial Valley by bringing public awareness to the indicators of crime and other threats. The community plays a key role keeping our country safe by identifying and reporting suspicious or criminal activity. We encourage Imperial Valley residents to report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021