Border Patrol agent saves fleeing migrant in canal

A Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent working along the Colorado River near Yuma on Sunday evening saved a Honduran national from drowning

According to information provided by the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, the incident began as an agent assigned to the Yuma Sector Riverine Unit responded to a call reporting an individual running from the International Boundary toward the Salinity Canal.

While en route to the location, a communications operator informed the agent that the individual had jumped into the canal north of the County 9th Street Bridge.

The Border Patrol agent located the 25-year-old male clinging to the side of the canal in the fast-moving water, and deployed a rescue bag to pull him to safety.

The individual was identified as a Honduran national previously deported from the U.S. in 2017. He was arrested and processed for immigration violations after his health and safety were ensured.

Yuma County residents can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@ yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.