1 Dead, 36 Captured Amid Attempt To Swim Across U.S. Border In CA

San Diego CA

31 October, 2021

3:34 PM

Description

SAN DIEGO, CA — One woman died and 13 people were pulled from the waters off the San Diego coast after possibly 70 people attempted to cross into the U.S.-Mexican border Friday night. Thirty-six people were taken into custody after they reportedly attempted to swim from Tijuana to San Diego, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a release. Border patrol agents received reports of the large group of swimmers after 11:30 p.m., officials said. Agents came across an unresponsive woman believed to be from the group and immediately rendered CPR. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:30 a.m., officials said. Her identity was not released. Border agents took 25 men and 11 women, who swam around the border barrier, into custody, officials said. Some of them were captured on land while more than a dozen were pulled from the water. The group was taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing as multiple agencies continued to scour the area in search of any other people in distress. No other injuries were reported, officials said. "This is yet another example of the ruthless tactics smuggling organizations use to bolster their power and profits." said San Diego Sector's Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. "We will work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for this tragedy."