SAN YSIDRO, Calif. – Border Patrol agents assisted in the rescue of a group of six adult Haitian nationals that became stranded in the Tijuana River Channel while attempting to illegally enter the United States on Wednesday.
The Tijuana River, just west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, has historically been a common point of entrance for individuals attempting to illegally enter the United States from Mexico. Yesterday, six subjects were observed by Border Patrol agents crossing the Tijuana River. Due to the large amount of rain San Diego County has recently received, the river was unusually deep and the water moving more swiftly than is common for this area.
While the individuals were attempting to cross the swollen river, they became stranded on a small “island” in the middle of the river. Border Patrol agents called for assistance from the San Diego County Fire and Rescue, as well as the San Diego Lifeguard River Rescue Team. All six individuals were able to be rescued from the small “island.” After a medical evaluation by Emergency Medical Services on scene, all the subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and transported to a nearby station.
“We have said it many times, do not place your life or the lives of your loved ones in the hands of callous smugglers,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “There is only one safe way to enter the United States, and that is through designated ports of entry.”