Overview
- Gregory Simmonds, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer assigned to Tampa, jumped fully clothed into a Pasco County community pool on May 16 after spotting a 6-year-old floating unconscious and pulled the child to safety.
- Simmonds performed CPR at the poolside until the child regained consciousness and local authorities said the youngster is expected to make a full recovery.
- The Department of Homeland Security publicly released closed-circuit footage on June 17 that shows Simmonds diving in and reaching the child, and the video quickly circulated on social media.
- In interviews Simmonds said he acted on instinct and described the rescue in plain terms, and Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis praised the response as life-saving.
- DHS highlighted the Pasco County incident alongside other recent cases of officers aiding children to counter criticism of ICE, and the episode has entered public debate as protests at detention sites continue.