Border Patrol agents rescue woman drowning in New River

El Centro Sector Border Patrol rescued a distressed woman who was drowning in the New River Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 2:35 p.m. agents observed an individual trying to make an illegal entry into the United States via the New River.

The woman in the water began to struggle to stay afloat and started to drown.

A Border Patrol agent acted quickly and threw the woman a rescue line. The woman was able to get a hold of the line, and was pulled to safety.

Agents identified the woman as a 25-year-old Mexican national.

The woman sustained no injuries and declined any further medical attention. She was arrested for suspicion of illegal entry into the United States and was taken to the Calexico station for further processing.

“Our agent took swift action to prevent a tragedy from happening” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim.