Dozens of illegal immigrants tried to swim around the San Diego border barrier early Saturday leading to the death of a woman, federal sources said.
The woman was found unresponsive by the US Border Patrol agents who tried to revive her and performed CPR before requesting the help of a San Diego Fire-Rescue emergency crew but to no avail.
The agents responded to the Border Field State Park after learning that dozens of immigrants were trying to swim around the barrier.
13 immigrants were in the water and successfully rescued. A subsequent search of the nearby area uncovered 36 Mexican immigrants, 25 men, and 11 women, hiding in the woods.
“This is yet another example of the ruthless tactics smuggling organizations use to bolster their power and profits,” Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said.
“We will work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for this tragedy.”
