ICE Officers Rescue Child from Drowning

On May 16, in Pasco County, Florida, an ICE officer pulled a 6-year-old child from a swimming pool after noticing the child floating motionless. Gregory Simmons, the officer involved, was at a community pool when he spotted the unconscious child in the water.

In a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it was reported that Simmons quickly took action. He donned his clothing, jumped into the pool, and swam to the child. With assistance from another bystander, he managed to bring the child to safety, as others helped lift the child out of the water.

Simmons performed CPR until the child regained consciousness, and thankfully, local authorities have stated that the child is expected to recover fully.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. J. Leathers commended Simmons’s quick thinking and decisive actions. “Thanks to his proactive measures during a critical moment, the child survived,” Leathers remarked. “His bravery and selflessness are commendable.”

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss also praised Simmons, highlighting the importance of recognizing the efforts of ICE officers in the face of criticism. “This officer provided life-saving care when it mattered most,” Biss noted. She urged those opposed to ICE to reconsider their stance, suggesting that these agents deserve gratitude for their role in public safety.

Simmons expressed relief in a recent interview, saying he was thankful the child survived and emphasized the importance of being in the right place at the right time. “I’m just glad we could make a difference,” he said.

He serves in ICE’s Office of Enforcement and Removal Services based in Tampa. The video footage of the rescue was released by DHS on June 17, about a month after the incident.

The praise for Simmons comes amidst ongoing debates over ICE practices, with some protesters in New Jersey expressing criticism toward law enforcement.