see also: in November 2003:   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Applauds Government of New Zealand For Secure Supply Chain Effort   CBP and ICE Interdict Large Cache of Marijuana   ACE Secure Data Portal to Enhance Border Security and Efficiency   Department of Homeland Security Announces Cargo Security Initiative   CBP Border Patrol Interdicts Narcotics Valued at Over $34 Million   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in West Texas and New Mexico Seize Numerous Items During Last Week   SENTRI Hours to Expand at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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EL Centro, CA. - Swift action by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent saved the life of seventeen-year-old Guatemalan girl yesterday who was struggling against the strong currents of the All American Canal. Border Patrol Agent Julio C. Chavez, upon apprehending a group of 3 illegal border crossers, noticed a fourth person on the opposite side of the All American Canal who appeared to be succumbing to the cold, rapidly moving current.

Agent Chavez immediately responded to the south bank of the canal and attempted to use a Save-A-Life rescue disc, but was unsuccessful because of the thick brush along that section of the canal. At that time he jumped in the water and swam to girl, who was showing signs of hypothermia, pulling her to an area of the bank that was more accessible for climbing out. Agent William Maskell arrived on scene to assist and together, they lifted the girl out of the water.

The victim rested several minutes inside a warm Border Patrol vehicle and upon recuperating, stated that she was fine. At the Calexico Border Patrol Station in Calexico, California, she was given dry clothes and lunch. Agent Chavez recalled the incident by saying, "In the time between when I first saw her and swam to her, she had lost considerable strength and was almost to weak to hold on to the reeds, which was the only thing keeping her above water."

Editor's note: The rescue occurred around 12:30 AM on November 12, 2003 east of Calexico, California near the Gordon’s Well exit and Interstate 8. The All American Canal is notorious for its fast moving, yet deceptively calm currents and unfortunately claims several lives each year in the Imperial Valley.

The Border Patrol is a division of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for managing and securing our nation’s borders.