U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Sault Ste. Marie Station were involved in a rescue operation following a rollover crash near Paradise, Michigan. The incident occurred on December 3, 2024, when Chippewa County Central Dispatch called for assistance after a vehicle rolled into a ditch filled with water, trapping the driver inside.

The road conditions were poor due to recent snowfall, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach the scene quickly. However, U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling nearby on snowmobiles arrived first.

Upon arrival, the agents entered the vehicle through a window and attempted to free the trapped motorist. The driver was stuck by the steering wheel, but agents managed to deflate the airbag and keep the driver's head above water to prevent drowning. They collaborated with bystanders to secure the vehicle to a tree and used lumber to slow its descent into the water.

The Whitefish Township Fire Department arrived soon after and worked alongside the agents to extract the victim from the vehicle successfully.

Chief Patrol Agent John Morris commended his team: “I’m proud of the agents who responded quickly to this potentially tragic event and didn’t hesitate to climb into the vehicle to help the trapped motorist,” he said. “The quick thinking and selfless actions of these agents and bystanders allowed the precious time necessary for more help to arrive.”

After being freed, EMS transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline defense: "the nation's largest law enforcement organization and world's first unified border management agency." With over 65,000 personnel, CBP is tasked with protecting America across various domains while facilitating safe travel and trade.