Border Patrol agents continue to rescue migrants in distress

OCOTILLO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Border Patrol agents rescue individuals in distress after attempting to cross into the United States on separate occasions.

The first incident happened on Monday around 4 a.m. in the mountains near Ocotillo. California Highway Patrol relayed a 911 call to the El Centro Sector regarding a man who had illegally crossed the border.

The man told CHP he was not in distress but was tired and lost. Agents quickly responded to the area and rescued the man.

They say the individual did not require medical attention.

The second incident happened that same morning near Calexico. Again, remote video surveillance caught two people attempting to swim north across the All-American Canal. Agents said the canal is 80 miles long and 120 feet wide, with 20 feet deep in most parts. The currents are dangerous but said one of the individuals made it across the canal with the strong current. As for the other, he swam halfway and could not continue. However, agents rescued the second individual from drowning.

Both individuals were apprehended and processed.

Since October, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have successfully rescued 119 individuals lost or in distress.