THIS WEEK IN USBP HISTORY, VOL. 130

February 25 - March 2

Welcome back to "This Week in USBP History"!

After a brief hiatus since our last post on February 18, I'm excited to announce the return of our weekly journey through the rich and dynamic history of the U.S. Border Patrol. With this Volume 130, covering the week of February 25 to March 2, we're introducing a streamlined approach to our historical exploration.

In this new format, we'll be combining key elements such as "documents and events," "Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries," and "U.S. Border Patrol fallen anniversaries" into a single, cohesive narrative. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive and engaging overview of the significant moments in USBP history each week.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. I look forward to sharing these historical insights with you every Sunday.

Let's dive into this week's history!

​Cliff
P.S. - As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]). As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages. Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

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This Week's USBP Anniversaries and Milestones

February 25

• On February 25, 1932, H.R. 11204, “Border Patrol Act, 1930” was introduced into the House.  In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, several bills were introduced into either the House or the Senate that would merge the Immigration and Customs patrols and/or place them under the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Please see this 1930 Congressional Record (page 12098) to see their discussions.
  • Also see this different 1930 Congressional Record concerning H.R. 11204 to transfer the USBP to the USCG.

 
February 26

• This February 26, 1926 document from the San Antonio District, speaks against Border Patrol Inspectors carrying their firearms in a visible holster and recommends that they be carried concealed under a long coat.  This sentence really sums up the author’s opinion of law enforcement carrying their firearms in a visible holster – 
  • “In times past all officers dressed in frontier style with from one to three pistols in evidence, an in order that everyone might know that they were officers, and killers, a very short coat or jacket was worn”
  • On March 4, 1926, the Nogales Chamber of Commerce issued a resolution of appreciation to Customs Inspector Hugh Benton and Eugene Siddell (1889-1965) of the Immigration Service for “uniform courtesy on the International Line…”
    • Records show that “Eugene Siddell” was among the first Border Patrol hires in Noyes, Minnesota in 1924.  (See page 6 of this document)
    • 1926 Arizona newspaper clippings describe "Eugene Siddell" as an Immigrant Inspector who had been wounded in France during WWI.
    • It is uncertain if they are the same person.
• On February 26, 1937, the El Paso District sent a memo to Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969).  The memo informed Chief Kelly that Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999) had inspected, fired and adjusted the entire 900 Colt New Service revolvers (.38 caliber), and informed Kelly that they were ready to be distributed to the districts.  Askins recorded firing each pistol.  I only collected a few of the pages.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • Ralph W. Ramsey
    Date of Birth:                        February 22, 1915
    Entered on Duty:                   May 29, 1941
    Title:                                      Patrol Inspector
    End of Watch:                       February 26, 1942
     
    Details:
    Patrol Inspector Ralph W. Ramsey was killed on February 26, 1942, in Columbus, New Mexico, while attempting to board a freight train in search of aliens illegally in the   United States. Patrol Inspector Harry E. Lennon, in charge of the two-man unit stationed in Columbus, was working with Inspector Ramsey at the time of the accident and related the following concerning the events at the time of the accident. The officers, while patrolling to the east of Columbus, observed an open boxcar on a regular westbound freight heading towards Columbus. The officers returned to Columbus, checked an eastbound freight train at a siding, and awaited the incoming westbound train. Inspector Ramsey took up a position between the siding and the main line while Inspector Lennon stood opposite him across the main line tracks. It was customary that the train crew halt the westbound freight at a water tower.
     
    The officers had stationed themselves in the vicinity of the open boxcar they had observed. On this occasion; however, the train did not stop, proceeding on in order to clear the main track for the train on the siding. Apparently, Inspector Ramsey attempted to board the train when the open boxcar passed him. The first indication Inspector Lennon had that an accident had occurred was when he noticed an object beneath the moving train and realized it was his partner's body. As soon as the train passed, Inspector Lennon rushed to Inspector Ramsey. Death occurred within seconds after he reached his side.
    
    Gravesite

 
February 27

• On February 27, 1907, Mr. Black addressed a letter of complaint regarding Jeff Milton (1861-1947) to President Theodore Roosevelt.  The letter was sent to the Department of Labor where it was later sent to the National Archives.  The letter does not contain a specific complaint but generalizations that end with Mr. Black stating that Milton “…has no right to carry gun…”
• Congress took notice of the unforeseen consequences of the lack of language concerning enforcement authority for the Border Patrol in the Immigration Act of 1924 and subsequent Labor Appropriation Act. Pennsylvania Senator David Reed (1880-1953), who co-sponsored the Immigration Act of 1924, drafted the Act of February 27, 1925, 43 Stat. 1049, to correct some of the problems from the original legislation, including those with Border Patrol authority. The approved Act gave the statutory authority needed and clarified that the Border Patrol could pursue and apprehend aliens at the border and beyond, conferring the power without warrant:
  • To arrest any alien who in his presence or view is entering or attempting to enter the United States in violation of any law or regulation made pursuance ​of law regulating the admission of aliens;
  • To board and search for aliens any vessel within the territorial waters of the United States, railway car, conveyance, or vehicle, in which he believes aliens are being brought into the United States; and
  • ​Shall have the power to execute any warrant or other process issued by any officer under law regulating the admission, exclusion, or expulsion of aliens.
  • ​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
• On February 27, 1943, “Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Attorney General Francis Biddle approved a plan to return all civilian enemy aliens to the INS, and in turn, to the U.S. Border Patrol led enemy alien detention camps. As a result, additional detention space was required beginning in March 1943, as the U.S. Army began transferring enemy alien internees back to INS custody to make room for increasing numbers of prisoners of war at their camps. By June 30, 1943, there would be 9,220 enemy aliens in the internment camps.”
  • From - HONOR FIRST - United States Border Patrol Centennial Timeline 1924-2024 by Joseph Banco
• On February 27, 1973, what became known as the Wounded Knee Uprising began on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota by supporters of the American Indian Movement.  The U.S. Marshals requested the support of the U.S. Border Patrol to supplement their ranks.  Twenty-five Border Patrol Agents were initially deployed and deputized as U.S. Marshals.  Over the period of the siege, 25 additional Patrol Agents would be deployed to Wounded Knee.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • Manuel E. Barreda
    Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
    Rio Grande Valley Sector, Fort Brown Station
    On the night of February 27, 2012, Agent Barreda witnessed a group of individuals attempting to cross the treacherous waters of the Brownsville Navigation Ship Channel, a 44-foot-deep and several hundred foot-wide waterway designed for large vessels. Agent Barreda observed that one of the individuals, later identified as Angel Celestino-Alvarado, was struggling to swim and keep his head above water. 
     
    Agent Barreda quickly evaluated the situation and notified the U.S. Coast Guard. He realized, however, that because of the frigid temperature of the water, the Coast Guard might not reach the victim before he succumbed to hypothermia or exhaustion. Agent Barreda jumped into the channel and swam 120 feet toward the drowning man, who advised Agent Barreda that he could no longer feel his legs or arms. Agent Barreda quickly secured the individual in his grasp and towed him toward the shore. 
     
    As Agent Barreda swam back to the bank of the channel in the dark with the victim in tow, he began to suffer effects from the cold water. Border Patrol Agent Jacob Gamboa, who had been nearby and was coordinating the rescue effort from the shoreline and monitoring Agent Barreda, entered the freezing water without hesitation and assisted Agent Barreda and the victim safely back to the bank of the Brownsville Navigation Ship Channel. 
     
    Agent Barreda’s heroic choice to voluntarily enter the water, coupled with Agent Gamboa’s assistance, led to the victim’s successful rescue when otherwise, he most certainly would have drowned.
    
    

 
February 28

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. Check back tomorrow for more fascinating insights!

 
March 1

• On March 1, 1928, San Antonio District Director William A. Whalen (1881-1968) wrote a cover memo and forwarded, “Forty Suggestions to Guide and Assist New and Old Patrol Inspectors”.  While some suggestions may seem dated, many remain relevant today.
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • David R. Gutierrez - award plaque, commissioner's letter, regional commissioner's letter, retirement letter (pg1), retirement letter (pg2)
    Border Patrol Agent
    Tucson Sector
    In the early hours of March 1, 1984, a moment of extraordinary bravery unfolded on a road in Nogales, Arizona, forever marking the valor of Border Patrol Agent David R. Gutierrez. Witnessing a catastrophic automobile accident, Agent Gutierrez did not hesitate to act in the face of grave danger.
    
    The vehicle, having gone airborne, crashed and burst into flames in the middle of the road. Without a second thought for his own safety, Agent Gutierrez rushed towards the inferno. The car was completely engulfed in flames, yet his resolve did not waver. He reached the vehicle and pulled Mr. Socorro Arturo Romero Maldonado to safety. Mr. Maldonado, who suffered second and third-degree burns over 65% of his body, owes his life to the courageous and selfless actions of Agent Gutierrez.
    
    This act of heroism, as recognized by Alan C. Nelson, Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Harold W. Ezell, Regional Commissioner, exemplifies an extraordinary level of dedication and bravery. Agent Gutierrez's actions reflect not only his commitment to duty but also his profound humanity and concern for the lives of others.
    
    ​Agent Gutierrez's willingness to risk his life to save another stands as a testament to his character and dedication. His actions are worthy of the highest praise and embody the values of the Border Patrol and the Immigration Service. His heroism, recognized by the prestigious Newton-Azrak Award, continues to inspire and remind us of the selfless acts of bravery that Border Patrol agents are capable of in their service to others and the nation.
• On March 1, 2003, the U.S. Customs Service was renamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Border Patrol was absorbed into it.  See this document.
  • This would mark the third agency in which the U.S. Border Patrol had been part:
    • U.S. Immigration Service (1924-1933)
    • U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (1933-2003)
    • U.S Customs and Border Protection (2003-present)
  • It would also mark the third department in which the U.S. Border Patrol had been part:
    • Department of Labor (1924-1933)
    • Department of Justice (1940-2003)
    • Department of Homeland Security (2003-present)
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • Michael F. McCarson
    Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
    Del Rio Sector
    On March 1, 1999, in the early morning hours, agents working the Comstock checkpoint witnessed a vehicle crash through a fence and go out of control after hitting a deer on the highway, causing the vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.  Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael F. McCarson, upon witnessing the crash, immediately recognized the severity of the situation and acted with total disregard for his personal safety by fighting the flames and pulling the injured driver from the burning vehicle before it was totally overcome with fire.
     
    Simultaneous with these life-saving actions, SBPA McCarson directed on-scene agents in rendering assistance while ensuring their safety at all times, coordinated an emergency response with local officers and emergency personnel, as well as performed first-aid treatment to the injured driver.  SBPA McCarson’s immediate and skillful emergency actions not only prevented a tragedy from escalating to a casualty, but clearly demonstrated his training and experience as a Border Patrol Agent and his dedication to his work.

 
March 2

• On March 2, 1942, “Immigration and Naturalization Service Central Office, including Border Patrol Operations, moved from Washington, DC, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”
  • From - HONOR FIRST - United States Border Patrol Centennial Timeline 1924-2024 by Joseph Banco
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • ​Daniel M. James, Jr.
    Date of Birth:                   April 17, 1970
    Entered on Duty:              September 21, 1998
    Title:                                 Border Patrol Agent
    End of Watch:                  March 2, 2001
     
    Details:
    On Monday, January 29, 2001, Border Patrol Agent Daniel M. James, Jr. and his partner were turning their Service vehicle around at the junction of Highways 716 and 429 to pursue three vehicles reported to be carrying illegal aliens. They hit a dip in the road, which caused the vehicle to overturn several times. Agent James was thrown from the vehicle and pinned against a fence. He was taken to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. He passed away on Friday, March 2, 2001, because of injuries sustained in the accident.
     
    Agent James was a native of Canton, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Marines from March 1988 to June 1996. He was a graduate of the 389th session of the Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. At the time of his death, his official station was Freer, Texas.
    
    Cremated, Ashes scattered