Border Patrol agents rescue nine illegal aliens

Border Patrol agents rescued nine illegal aliens who were trying to swim across the Colorado River Wednesday morning.

Agent Laura Boston of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, said at approximately 10:45 a.m., agents working near the Colorado River observed a large group of suspected illegal aliens swimming eastbound across the river from the U.S.-Mexico border.

"That area is historically a high-traffic area, but has slowed down significantly, so we don't see much activity there anymore," Boston said.

She went on to explain that agents saw several members of the group either stranded on an island in the middle of the river or struggling to swim to it.

Yuma Sector BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue) Team members were called to the scene and were able to safely retrieve nine individuals.

"They swam out to the individuals and brought them back to the river bank one at a time," Boston said. "BORSTAR agents are trained in swiftwater rescues, so they are capable of performing these types of rescues when the need arises."

No one was injured, and the group was transported to the Yuma Station and processed for entry without inspection.

"I would like to thank all agents involved in this rescue effort for their quick response to a potentially life-threatening situation," said Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson.

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James Gilbert can be reached at
jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.