In the roaring waters of the canal, first responders train for the worst: migrants who have been swept away while trying to cross the US-Mexico border.
El Paso, Texas
The canal, which runs for miles along the international border, is intended to get water to farmers during the summer months. But as migrants try to cross into the United States, the canal also poses a unique danger, with high water levels and a fast-moving current. "You get pushed underneath. You get pushed out," said Kris Menendez, captain of the El Paso Fire Department water rescue team."It could mean life or death. No doubt.
CNN goes inside a migrant shelter in one of Mexico's most dangerous cities 03:45Migrants will also try to climb over the border wall and fall in the process. In the El Paso sector, there were more than 229 injuries from October through May from those falls, ranging from ankle injuries to brain injuries. Agents try to render aid themselves and take migrants to hospitals if necessary. Despite the dangers, migrants still try to cross the US southern border, often to seek refuge.