When Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents responded to a report of several individuals entering the United States illegally on Dec. 13, the group tried to evade apprehension by jumping into the Salinity Canal near San Luis, Arizona.
As agents observed the individuals attempt to swim across the swift-flowing, chilly water, it became obvious that the group would not reach either side of the canal. Agents immediately deployed rescue devices and pulled all five individuals safely from the canal.
Agents treated the group on scene for exposure before transporting them to the Yuma Border Patrol Station for processing and further examination. All were identified as Mexican nationals.