The Great Sector and Station Debate
Myths vs. Facts in Border Patrol History
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Updated - December 15, 2025
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Watch a video overview here.
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In the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, two long-standing claims have continued to be widely believed: that El Paso and Detroit were the first sectors and stations. Examining these claims critically is essential for historical accuracy, even if it challenges well-established narratives within the Border Patrol’s legacy.
The reality is that there were 32 sectors, all referred to as sub-districts at the time, and they were all established simultaneously in 1924. The emphasis on something being "first" taps into a universal human desire for distinction and primacy. It's a badge of honor, a mark of originality, and a symbol of leadership. But in this case, the allure of being "first" has led to a misunderstanding that needs correction.
This page seeks to clarify the historical record by examining the long-held beliefs surrounding El Paso and Detroit’s claims to being the first sectors and stations. In doing so, we will honor the true history of the Border Patrol's creation, recognizing the simultaneous establishment of 32 sectors (sub-districts) in 1924, and pay tribute to the collective efforts that laid the foundation for the Border Patrol we know today.
By setting the record straight, we not only correct a historical inaccuracy but also celebrate a richer, more inclusive narrative that honors all sectors and their unique contributions. Explore the facts, examine the myths, and gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. Border Patrol’s history.
The reality is that there were 32 sectors, all referred to as sub-districts at the time, and they were all established simultaneously in 1924. The emphasis on something being "first" taps into a universal human desire for distinction and primacy. It's a badge of honor, a mark of originality, and a symbol of leadership. But in this case, the allure of being "first" has led to a misunderstanding that needs correction.
This page seeks to clarify the historical record by examining the long-held beliefs surrounding El Paso and Detroit’s claims to being the first sectors and stations. In doing so, we will honor the true history of the Border Patrol's creation, recognizing the simultaneous establishment of 32 sectors (sub-districts) in 1924, and pay tribute to the collective efforts that laid the foundation for the Border Patrol we know today.
By setting the record straight, we not only correct a historical inaccuracy but also celebrate a richer, more inclusive narrative that honors all sectors and their unique contributions. Explore the facts, examine the myths, and gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. Border Patrol’s history.
The Myth of the First Sector
There has long been a spirited debate within the Border Patrol community over which location deserves the title of “first sector.” El Paso and Detroit are typically the two names brought forward, each with its own unique arguments and historical significance. However, like many origin stories, the truth is far more nuanced than a simple ranking.
El Paso’s Claim
The city of El Paso has long been associated with the birthplace of the Border Patrol, a claim that has been embraced and celebrated by many within the Patrol. This belief was reinforced in 1999 with the slogan “Where the Legend Began,” created to commemorate the Patrol’s 75th anniversary. The phrase captured the enduring notion that El Paso was home to both the first sector and the first station.
While it is true that El Paso hosted the first National Border Patrol Training School in 1936—a milestone of lasting significance—this does not establish El Paso as the first sector. In 1924, when the Border Patrol was created under the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Immigration, the country was divided into immigration districts and sub-districts, not sectors. El Paso fell under the 25th Immigration District and operated as one of 32 sub-districts that were simultaneously staffed with newly hired Border Patrol personnel. There was no hierarchy of activation, and no evidence supports the claim that El Paso was the first, merely one of the first.
That said, El Paso’s early role in shaping training and identity, particularly through the establishment of the academy, gave it symbolic prominence—helping it become a cornerstone of Border Patrol heritage. The legend, while not technically accurate, speaks to the pride and tradition El Paso has come to represent within the Patrol's collective memory.
Detroit’s Claim
Detroit, too, has historically claimed to be the first sector, though its narrative has been less prominent than El Paso’s. Like El Paso, Detroit played a significant role in the early structure of the U.S. Border Patrol. It was one of the few cities to host all three levels of Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. This unique administrative layering gave Detroit an outsized presence in the early operational framework of immigration enforcement.
The belief in Detroit’s primacy as the first sector appears to have grown from this layered oversight and the robust enforcement structure that operated in the city. However, just as with El Paso, Detroit’s claim is based more on symbolic prominence than on documented sequence or precedence. In 1924, Detroit was one of 32 sub-districts activated simultaneously across the nation under the decentralized structure of the Immigration Service. These sub-districts—Detroit included—formed the foundation of what would later become the modern sector system.
Though no evidence places Detroit ahead of the others, the strength of its administrative role and presence during the Patrol’s formative years ensures that its contribution remains a respected part of Border Patrol lore.
The Historical Record
The history of the first Border Patrol sectors—referred to as sub-districts at the time—is complex and varies depending on the historical source. Some research, including that compiled by retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco, indicates that 30 sub-districts were established on July 1, 1924, when the Border Patrol officially began operations. However, other historical documents suggest that 32 sub-districts were created that same year under the decentralized Immigration Service.
At the time, the Immigration Service was organized into 35 Immigration Districts, many of which included sub-districts that served as the operational arms for Border Patrol activities. These sub-districts—regardless of whether the number was 30 or 32—were activated simultaneously, with no single location documented as being first.
Notably, the two individuals selected in 1926 to become the Border Patrol’s first “Chiefs of the Border Patrol”—then titled Supervisor, Border Patrol—worked from these two cities: Ruel Davenport in Detroit and George Harris in El Paso.
This discrepancy in the number of initial sub-districts highlights the challenge of reconstructing early Border Patrol history with complete certainty. But it also underscores the value of continued research and documentation. Rather than singling out one city or station as the birthplace of the Patrol, we gain a more accurate and inclusive understanding by recognizing the collective founding of the Patrol in 1924—a foundation built across dozens of locations and guided by early leaders from both borders.
El Paso’s Claim
The city of El Paso has long been associated with the birthplace of the Border Patrol, a claim that has been embraced and celebrated by many within the Patrol. This belief was reinforced in 1999 with the slogan “Where the Legend Began,” created to commemorate the Patrol’s 75th anniversary. The phrase captured the enduring notion that El Paso was home to both the first sector and the first station.
While it is true that El Paso hosted the first National Border Patrol Training School in 1936—a milestone of lasting significance—this does not establish El Paso as the first sector. In 1924, when the Border Patrol was created under the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Immigration, the country was divided into immigration districts and sub-districts, not sectors. El Paso fell under the 25th Immigration District and operated as one of 32 sub-districts that were simultaneously staffed with newly hired Border Patrol personnel. There was no hierarchy of activation, and no evidence supports the claim that El Paso was the first, merely one of the first.
That said, El Paso’s early role in shaping training and identity, particularly through the establishment of the academy, gave it symbolic prominence—helping it become a cornerstone of Border Patrol heritage. The legend, while not technically accurate, speaks to the pride and tradition El Paso has come to represent within the Patrol's collective memory.
Detroit’s Claim
Detroit, too, has historically claimed to be the first sector, though its narrative has been less prominent than El Paso’s. Like El Paso, Detroit played a significant role in the early structure of the U.S. Border Patrol. It was one of the few cities to host all three levels of Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. This unique administrative layering gave Detroit an outsized presence in the early operational framework of immigration enforcement.
The belief in Detroit’s primacy as the first sector appears to have grown from this layered oversight and the robust enforcement structure that operated in the city. However, just as with El Paso, Detroit’s claim is based more on symbolic prominence than on documented sequence or precedence. In 1924, Detroit was one of 32 sub-districts activated simultaneously across the nation under the decentralized structure of the Immigration Service. These sub-districts—Detroit included—formed the foundation of what would later become the modern sector system.
Though no evidence places Detroit ahead of the others, the strength of its administrative role and presence during the Patrol’s formative years ensures that its contribution remains a respected part of Border Patrol lore.
The Historical Record
The history of the first Border Patrol sectors—referred to as sub-districts at the time—is complex and varies depending on the historical source. Some research, including that compiled by retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco, indicates that 30 sub-districts were established on July 1, 1924, when the Border Patrol officially began operations. However, other historical documents suggest that 32 sub-districts were created that same year under the decentralized Immigration Service.
At the time, the Immigration Service was organized into 35 Immigration Districts, many of which included sub-districts that served as the operational arms for Border Patrol activities. These sub-districts—regardless of whether the number was 30 or 32—were activated simultaneously, with no single location documented as being first.
Notably, the two individuals selected in 1926 to become the Border Patrol’s first “Chiefs of the Border Patrol”—then titled Supervisor, Border Patrol—worked from these two cities: Ruel Davenport in Detroit and George Harris in El Paso.
This discrepancy in the number of initial sub-districts highlights the challenge of reconstructing early Border Patrol history with complete certainty. But it also underscores the value of continued research and documentation. Rather than singling out one city or station as the birthplace of the Patrol, we gain a more accurate and inclusive understanding by recognizing the collective founding of the Patrol in 1924—a foundation built across dozens of locations and guided by early leaders from both borders.
The Myth of the First Station
The question of which city hosted the first U.S. Border Patrol station has long stirred interest within the Border Patrol community. As with the debate over the first sector, El Paso and Detroit are the two cities most often cited—each for distinct and historically meaningful reasons. Yet, a closer look at the historical record reveals that the truth is less about identifying a singular “first” and more about understanding a nationwide effort launched in unison.
El Paso’s Claim
El Paso’s claim to being the first Border Patrol station is rooted in a naming convention rather than a chronological fact. Beginning in 1926, General Order 61 established a numbering system for sub-districts within each Immigration District, assigning them consecutive numbers starting with #1. If a Border Patrol station was co-located with the sub-district headquarters, it was typically designated as “Station #1.” In El Paso’s case—part of the 25th Immigration District—this administrative convention led to the local office being called “Station One.”
Over time, the original rationale behind the name was largely forgotten, and the title “Station One” came to be misinterpreted as evidence that El Paso was the first Border Patrol station in the country. While the name carries great symbolic value, it does not represent a documented chronological primacy.
Detroit’s Claim
Detroit’s claim as the first station stems from its prominent role in the early organizational structure of immigration enforcement. Like El Paso, Detroit contained three tiers of the Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. Additionally, Detroit was the posting of one of the Border Patrol’s first two national leaders—then titled Supervisor, Border Patrol—with Ruel Davenport assigned to the northern border and George Harris to the southern, stationed in El Paso.
In HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol – Volume I, retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joe Banco recounts a long-standing rumor that Ruel Davenport, while serving as District Inspector in Charge, may have opened the Detroit station in mid-June 1924—prior to the official July 1st launch of the Border Patrol. However, Banco is clear that no records have been found to verify this claim. Officially, all stations across the initial sub-districts were activated on the same date: July 1, 1924.
The Historical Record
When Congress allocated funding for the Border Patrol in 1924, operations were not centered around a single location. Instead, the newly formed organization launched in multiple sub-districts across the country under the decentralized structure of the Immigration Service. The initial five weeks were devoted to hiring personnel and securing modest facilities. These early stations were often no more than rented rooms or houses serving as temporary sub-district headquarters.
From 1924 to 1926, these offices were led by Immigrant Inspectors—designated as Patrol Inspectors in Charge (PIIC). It wasn’t until 1926 that supervisory layers beneath the PIICs were formally established.
While Detroit and El Paso both played foundational roles in Border Patrol history, the legacy of the 1926 General Order 61 numbering system is most visibly preserved today in Laredo Sector. Unlike other sectors, Laredo continues to use a numbering convention for its stations—but refers to them as “Bases” rather than “Stations.” For instance, Laredo North is known as Base 2, and Laredo South is Base 7. This vestige of early administrative practice makes Laredo a living link to the Patrol’s organizational origins.
By recognizing the simultaneous establishment of Border Patrol stations in 1924—and the unique ways in which legacy practices like numbering still endure—we gain a more complete and inclusive understanding of the Patrol’s formative years. The agency’s history was built across dozens of communities, not just one, and its story is all the richer for it.
El Paso’s Claim
El Paso’s claim to being the first Border Patrol station is rooted in a naming convention rather than a chronological fact. Beginning in 1926, General Order 61 established a numbering system for sub-districts within each Immigration District, assigning them consecutive numbers starting with #1. If a Border Patrol station was co-located with the sub-district headquarters, it was typically designated as “Station #1.” In El Paso’s case—part of the 25th Immigration District—this administrative convention led to the local office being called “Station One.”
Over time, the original rationale behind the name was largely forgotten, and the title “Station One” came to be misinterpreted as evidence that El Paso was the first Border Patrol station in the country. While the name carries great symbolic value, it does not represent a documented chronological primacy.
Detroit’s Claim
Detroit’s claim as the first station stems from its prominent role in the early organizational structure of immigration enforcement. Like El Paso, Detroit contained three tiers of the Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. Additionally, Detroit was the posting of one of the Border Patrol’s first two national leaders—then titled Supervisor, Border Patrol—with Ruel Davenport assigned to the northern border and George Harris to the southern, stationed in El Paso.
In HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol – Volume I, retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joe Banco recounts a long-standing rumor that Ruel Davenport, while serving as District Inspector in Charge, may have opened the Detroit station in mid-June 1924—prior to the official July 1st launch of the Border Patrol. However, Banco is clear that no records have been found to verify this claim. Officially, all stations across the initial sub-districts were activated on the same date: July 1, 1924.
The Historical Record
When Congress allocated funding for the Border Patrol in 1924, operations were not centered around a single location. Instead, the newly formed organization launched in multiple sub-districts across the country under the decentralized structure of the Immigration Service. The initial five weeks were devoted to hiring personnel and securing modest facilities. These early stations were often no more than rented rooms or houses serving as temporary sub-district headquarters.
From 1924 to 1926, these offices were led by Immigrant Inspectors—designated as Patrol Inspectors in Charge (PIIC). It wasn’t until 1926 that supervisory layers beneath the PIICs were formally established.
While Detroit and El Paso both played foundational roles in Border Patrol history, the legacy of the 1926 General Order 61 numbering system is most visibly preserved today in Laredo Sector. Unlike other sectors, Laredo continues to use a numbering convention for its stations—but refers to them as “Bases” rather than “Stations.” For instance, Laredo North is known as Base 2, and Laredo South is Base 7. This vestige of early administrative practice makes Laredo a living link to the Patrol’s organizational origins.
By recognizing the simultaneous establishment of Border Patrol stations in 1924—and the unique ways in which legacy practices like numbering still endure—we gain a more complete and inclusive understanding of the Patrol’s formative years. The agency’s history was built across dozens of communities, not just one, and its story is all the richer for it.
The Significance of El Paso and Detroit
While the myths of being the “first sector” or “first station” have been clarified, the historical importance of El Paso and Detroit in the founding and evolution of the U.S. Border Patrol remains beyond dispute. Each city played a distinct and influential role in shaping the agency’s identity, structure, and legacy.
El Paso’s Role
El Paso’s contributions to Border Patrol history extend well beyond the myth of “Station One.” It was in El Paso that Frank Berkshire drafted a series of proposals in 1918 advocating for the creation of a federal border enforcement force—an early vision that would eventually take form in 1924 with the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol. El Paso also became home to the first National Border Patrol Training School in 1936, setting the standard for how agents (then Patrol Inspectors) would be trained for decades to follow.
In 1926, George Harris, based in El Paso, was appointed as one of the first two individuals to hold the title Supervisor, Border Patrol. Alongside his northern counterpart, Harris served in an advisory role to the Commissioner-General of the Bureau of Immigration, providing subject-matter guidance rather than operational leadership. His assignment in El Paso further underscored the city’s prominence during the Patrol’s formative years.
Detroit’s Role
Detroit’s significance lies in its administrative structure and early representation in national leadership. It was one of the few cities to contain all three tiers of the Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. It also served as the base for Ruel Davenport, the northern counterpart to Harris, who was likewise appointed as Supervisor, Border Patrol in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner-General. Davenport’s role did not entail operational control over field activities but did reflect the Bureau’s recognition of Detroit as a critical border enforcement location.
Detroit’s strategic placement along the northern border and its administrative complexity made it a natural choice for this early advisory function and highlights its centrality in the Patrol's early national posture.
Honoring the Collective Legacy
While El Paso and Detroit stand out for their visibility and legacy, it is essential to honor the collective contributions of all the original sub-districts established in 1924. Whether there were 30 or 32, each sub-district was activated simultaneously, forming the nationwide foundation of the U.S. Border Patrol.
These locations—spanning both borders and multiple states—represent the Patrol’s true beginning: a coordinated, decentralized launch that reflects the diversity and scope of the mission. By acknowledging the individual contributions of El Paso and Detroit alongside the broader effort across all sectors, we preserve a richer, more inclusive understanding of Border Patrol history—one that recognizes shared service, sacrifice, and growth across the entire organization.
El Paso’s Role
El Paso’s contributions to Border Patrol history extend well beyond the myth of “Station One.” It was in El Paso that Frank Berkshire drafted a series of proposals in 1918 advocating for the creation of a federal border enforcement force—an early vision that would eventually take form in 1924 with the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol. El Paso also became home to the first National Border Patrol Training School in 1936, setting the standard for how agents (then Patrol Inspectors) would be trained for decades to follow.
In 1926, George Harris, based in El Paso, was appointed as one of the first two individuals to hold the title Supervisor, Border Patrol. Alongside his northern counterpart, Harris served in an advisory role to the Commissioner-General of the Bureau of Immigration, providing subject-matter guidance rather than operational leadership. His assignment in El Paso further underscored the city’s prominence during the Patrol’s formative years.
Detroit’s Role
Detroit’s significance lies in its administrative structure and early representation in national leadership. It was one of the few cities to contain all three tiers of the Immigration Service hierarchy: a district headquarters, a sub-district headquarters, and a Border Patrol station. It also served as the base for Ruel Davenport, the northern counterpart to Harris, who was likewise appointed as Supervisor, Border Patrol in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner-General. Davenport’s role did not entail operational control over field activities but did reflect the Bureau’s recognition of Detroit as a critical border enforcement location.
Detroit’s strategic placement along the northern border and its administrative complexity made it a natural choice for this early advisory function and highlights its centrality in the Patrol's early national posture.
Honoring the Collective Legacy
While El Paso and Detroit stand out for their visibility and legacy, it is essential to honor the collective contributions of all the original sub-districts established in 1924. Whether there were 30 or 32, each sub-district was activated simultaneously, forming the nationwide foundation of the U.S. Border Patrol.
These locations—spanning both borders and multiple states—represent the Patrol’s true beginning: a coordinated, decentralized launch that reflects the diversity and scope of the mission. By acknowledging the individual contributions of El Paso and Detroit alongside the broader effort across all sectors, we preserve a richer, more inclusive understanding of Border Patrol history—one that recognizes shared service, sacrifice, and growth across the entire organization.
Conclusion
The myths surrounding El Paso and Detroit as the first sectors and stations in the U.S. Border Patrol have become ingrained in the organization's folklore. These legends, while captivating, have overshadowed the true history of the Border Patrol's creation—a history that involves the simultaneous establishment of 32 sectors (sub-districts) in 1924 and the collective efforts of many.
El Paso and Detroit's significant contributions to the Border Patrol are undeniable, from Frank Berkshire's proposals to the similar organizationals structure in those two cities. However, the importance of accurate historical understanding cannot be overstated. By examining historical claims and reviewing available records, we recognize not just one or two sectors but all 32, acknowledging their unique roles and achievements.
I encourage readers to explore further, delve into HonorFirst's Historical Documents Library. Additionally, I invite you to explore the HonorFirst History Page and the links it contains, offering a wealth of information on the U.S. Border Patrol's rich legacy:
For those interested in a deeper historical perspective, historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco has extensively researched the U.S. Border Patrol’s evolution. His works examine key moments in the agency’s history:
In conclusion, let us honor the legacy of the Border Patrol by acknowledging the truth of its history. By critically examining these historical claims, we gain a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the Border Patrol’s origins, recognizing the many contributions that shaped the organization. It's a history that goes beyond myths and legends, recognizing the real efforts and achievements that have defined the U.S. Border Patrol. By embracing this truth, we not only correct historical inaccuracies but also enrich our understanding and appreciation of the Border Patrol's complex and multifaceted legacy.
El Paso and Detroit's significant contributions to the Border Patrol are undeniable, from Frank Berkshire's proposals to the similar organizationals structure in those two cities. However, the importance of accurate historical understanding cannot be overstated. By examining historical claims and reviewing available records, we recognize not just one or two sectors but all 32, acknowledging their unique roles and achievements.
I encourage readers to explore further, delve into HonorFirst's Historical Documents Library. Additionally, I invite you to explore the HonorFirst History Page and the links it contains, offering a wealth of information on the U.S. Border Patrol's rich legacy:
- Which was the first Sector?
- Which was the first USBP Station?
- Why is El Paso Station called Station One?
- Where the Legend Began
For those interested in a deeper historical perspective, historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco has extensively researched the U.S. Border Patrol’s evolution. His works examine key moments in the agency’s history:
- HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I: Covers the formation of the U.S. Border Patrol and its first 25 years, detailing the roles of the Mounted Guards, Mounted Inspectors, Mounted Watchmen, and Chinese Inspectors. It includes firsthand accounts from Border Patrol personnel and historical documents.
- HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II: Explores the agency’s role from 1949 to 1974, including the Bracero Program, Cold War-era enforcement, civil rights protective details, and early drug interdiction efforts.
- HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume III: Examines developments from 1975 to 1999, including the formation of BORTAC and BORSTAR, mass migration responses, and immigration reform initiatives.
- HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford Documents the Border Patrol’s 1962 deployment to the University of Mississippi to enforce federal desegregation orders and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
In conclusion, let us honor the legacy of the Border Patrol by acknowledging the truth of its history. By critically examining these historical claims, we gain a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the Border Patrol’s origins, recognizing the many contributions that shaped the organization. It's a history that goes beyond myths and legends, recognizing the real efforts and achievements that have defined the U.S. Border Patrol. By embracing this truth, we not only correct historical inaccuracies but also enrich our understanding and appreciation of the Border Patrol's complex and multifaceted legacy.
