ICE Officer Gregory Simmons details how to save a child from drowning
ICE Law Enforcement Officer Gregory Simmons describes the miraculous rescue of a 6-year-old child from drowning in Pasco County, Florida. Simmons responded automatically, performing CPR to revive the unconscious child. His quick actions highlight the heroic efforts of law enforcement officers on and off duty.
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An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer is being praised for diving fully clothed into a Florida public pool to save an unconscious 6-year-old from drowning.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends First,” ICE chief Gregory Simmonds described the moment he knew something was wrong and sent a message to those who oppose his agency.
“There was a sixth sense going on,” Simmonds said. “I jumped into the pool, I swam as fast as I could. When I picked up the child, the shape of his body at that moment, I immediately knew that this child [going to] I need some kind of CPR.”
Simmonds was attending her son’s senior year football party in Pasco County, Florida, when she saw a pool attendant pointing at something in the water. After asking one of her son’s colleagues to check on the child, Simmonds realized something was wrong. He jumped into action to pull the baby out of the water, performing life-saving CPR.
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ICE officer Gregory Simmonds is seen in Tampa. (ICE)
“I’m completely relieved. I mean I was in the right place at the right time. I’m happy that this child is getting a second chance at life. It was really amazing,” he said.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted about Simmonds’ actions online, calling him a “hero” and noting that the child is expected to make a full recovery.
“Officer Simmonds’ quick thinking, decisive action, and willingness to jump into action during a critical incident demonstrate the exceptional courage and dedication of ICE law enforcement,” DHS wrote Tuesday.
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DHS also released surveillance footage of the rescue, which shows Simmonds jumping into the water and dragging the motionless child into the pool before beginning CPR. DHS Acting Secretary Lauren Bis connected the rescue to recent anti-ICE sentiment, noting that police officers are putting their lives on the line to help others.
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“This police officer immediately rushed to provide medical assistance that saved the life of this 6-year-old boy who drowned,” said Bis.
“Our agents are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line to arrest the worst. Instead of abusing ICE law, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities,” he added.
An ICE officer dives into a Pasco County, Florida lake to save a drowning child. (ICE)
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Simmonds echoed those words, saying he and his fellow officers are just trying to keep the country safe.
“We’re just trying to protect communities. You know, protect against national security threats that are presented to us and a lot of public security threats in our communities,” Simmonds said.
