NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Yesterday evening, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Niagara Falls Station responded to a report of an adult male swimming across the Niagara River, just south of the Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls. Responding agents recovered a life vest and swim fins near the shoreline, however the illegal entrant was no longer in the area. Subsequently, a possible vehicle involved in the incident was identified and a law-enforcement-notification on the vehicle was issued to local authorities.
At approximately 3:20 a.m., Niagara County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle at a local mall and notified Border Patrol. Border Patrol agents responded to the scene, arrested the suspected swimmer and two other individuals believed to be involved in the incident. The suspected swimmer and one of the individuals in the vehicle are citizens of Spain. A third subject who was revealed to be the driver of the vehicle was determined to be a citizen of the United States.
“This individual placed himself in extreme danger by swimming across the Niagara River in attempt to illegally enter the U.S. and is lucky to have survived the ordeal. The river is immensely hazardous with rapids, strong currents and low water temperatures”, said Patrol Agent in Charge Josh Barrett of the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.
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