El Centro, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Station rescued a drowning man from the All-American Canal Wednesday night.

Around 11 p.m., agents observed three individuals illegally enter the United States near the All-American Canal.

Agents responded to the area and saw three men in the canal, one of which was waving his arms and screaming for help.

Border Patrol agents on scene quickly moved into action by positioning a rescue floatation device near the drowning man.

Agents ensured that the man took hold of the rescue device and safely pulled him to shore. 

Border Patrol agents on scene assessed the man, a 29-year-old Mexican national, for any other potential issues. The man declined further medical attention.

“Our Border Patrol agents are highly skilled and trained to effect these types of rescues,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.  “I am so proud of our El Centro Station agents for their decisive actions in saving a human life.”

The man was transported to El Centro station to be processed for illegal entry. 

The other two individuals absconded back to Mexico during the rescue.

This incident marks the first rescue by El Centro Sector agents this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2018.