May 26 - June 1Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week in USBP history is particularly momentous as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. We honor a century of dedication, heroism, and evolution. Our journey through the past begins on May 28, 1924, when the Bureau of Immigration received funding to establish the Immigration Border Patrol. On May 29, 1926, a memo provided insight into the implementation of General Order 61, shaping our structure. On June 1, 1951, we recognize the initiation of "The Airlift" project, transporting illegal aliens into the interior of Mexico. In 1994, the Enforcement Case Tracking System (ENFORCE) was deployed in San Diego Sector, enhancing efficiency. On May 27, 2005, we reflect on the dedication of the Newton-Azrak Memorial at the U.S. Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, TX. By 2009, Chief David Aguilar became the first American law enforcement officer to keynote at a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadet graduation. We honor the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of Agent Alexander I. Giannini (May 28, 2014) and Agent Juan M. Urrutia (May 28, 2021). Their dedication underscores the risks our agents endure. On May 30, 2022, we celebrate Border Patrol Agent Javier A. Padilla, awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for his life-saving actions during a car accident. Join us this week as we delve into these stories, celebrating a hundred years of the U.S. Border Patrol's dedication and evolution. Enjoy and have a great week! 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESMay 26 On May 26, 1928, a report was written concerning a shooting that occurred in the Big Bend Sub-district involving Patrol Inspector Shellie Guy Barnes (1896-1964), a U.S. Customs officer and an alcohol smuggler. May 27 On May 27, 1922, the Commissioner-General wrote a short letter to future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934). The letter concerning a "conference on cooperation in border work".
As part of ceremonies commemorating the 75th Anniversary, the new flag of the United States Border Patrol was raised nationwide at all Border Patrol facilities at 1000 hours on May 27, 1999. (see below)
 Flag of the United States Border Patrol A Newton-Azrak Memorial was dedicated at the U.S. Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, TX, on May 27, 2005. During the dedication ceremony Harold Newton, brother of Theodore Newton, made the following statement;
May 28 On May 28, 1924, the Bureau of Immigration received funding through Public Law 68-153, an approved appropriations bill (page 240), to enhance its existing "land-border patrol" functions. The Immigration Border Patrol was established using this funding, an idea that had been proposed as early as 1914 as per this document. Prior to the move to Philadelphia, the INS’ Central Office and in turn, Border Patrol, were located in the Department of Labor Building at the corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, which was built in 1935. In the building’s northwest entrance lobby is a dimly lit memorial with the engraved names 33 officers of the INS that were killed in the line of duty between 1919 and 1940. Approved by Congress on May 28, 1936, under Joint Resolution 439, engraving of the memorial commenced shortly thereafter.
On May 28, 1974, “The U.S. Border Patrol celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Events are held at each of the Sectors to commemorate this milestone and all Border Patrol Agents are authorized to wear a 50th Anniversary tab below the U.S. Border Patrol patch on their uniform shirts. A 50th Anniversary Smith & Wesson USBP Model 66 .357 revolver is also commissioned. President Richard Nixon and Vice President Gerald Ford also recognized the 50th Anniversary with congratulatory letters, in which they both acknowledged “Honor First” as the watchword of the U.S. Border Patrol.”
On May 28, 1999, “The U.S. Border Patrol celebrates its 75th Anniversary with events across the 21 Sectors and highlighted by 75th Anniversary Observance and Awards Ceremony held in San Diego, California.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Alexander I. Giannini Date of Birth October 14, 1989 Entered on Duty: October 16, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 28, 2014 Details: On May 28, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Alexander I. Giannini, of the Willcox Station, was involved in an on-duty, single-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 near Benson, Arizona. He died of injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. Another agent in the vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Agent Giannini, 24, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on October 16, 2008, as a member of the 822nd session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served the Willcox Station loyally throughout his career. Agent Giannini is survived by his mother, father, sister and fiancée. Burial Details Unknown Line of Duty Death anniversary Juan M. Urrutia Date of Birth: July 28, 1975 Entered on Duty: August 4, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 28, 2021 Details: Agent Urrutia entered on duty on August 4, 2003, as part of the 560th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was first assigned to the Falfurrias Station in what was then called the McAllen Sector in Texas. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Brownsville Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas. He was also a certified EMT/Paramedic. He is survived by his wife: Shayla Lee Urrutia; Brothers: Martin J. Urrutia, Carlos Urrutia, David Urrutia: and his sisters; Juvita Urrutia and Maria Barron-Urrutia. Gravesite May 29 On May 29, 1926, the District Director for the Montreal District (District #1), Harry R. Landis (1880-1950), wrote a 5-page memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the newly disseminated General Order 61. Several items of interest are contained in the memo:
May 30 Line of Duty Death anniversary Benjamin T. Hill Date of Birth: October 23, 1901 Entered on Duty: May 14, 1929 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: May 30, 1929 Historic documents of the shooting Details: Patrol Inspector Benjamin T. Hill was shot and killed near the international boundary, El Paso, Texas, on May 30, 1929, while pursuing a narcotics smuggler he had seen cross the Rio Grande River. While being pursued on foot through an alley, the smuggler suddenly wheeled and shot Inspector Hill through the heart, killing him instantly. Gravesite Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Javier A. Padilla - award set 1, award set 2 Border Patrol Agent Tucson, Arizona On May 30, 2022, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Javier Padilla was performing the duties of a Field Training Officer (FTO) for two BPA trainees in the vicinity of Amado, Arizona, when he observed a Chevrolet Trailblazer crash into a ditch. As Agent Padilla rushed to render aid, he realized there was a fire beneath the SUV and the doors had been rendered inoperable by the crash. Amid rapidly increasing heat and smoke, Agent Padilla led the effort to extract and relocate to safety a total of seven subjects seconds before the entire accident scene was engulfed in flames. Without his immediate and decisive action taken with no regard for his own safety, seven people would have perished. Border Patrol Agent Javier Padilla's courage and willingness to lay down his own life for others brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. May 31 On May 31, 1933, a memo was written to the Commissioner-General. The memo is signed by "Acting Director of Border Patrol, Canadian Border District", Ruel Davenport.
The Border Patrol obtained its first OH-6A on May 31, 1979.
June 1 Beginning in June 1924, the eleven immigration districts that were on the borders began hiring Patrol Inspectors and promoting Immigrant Inspectors and designating them as Patrol Inspectors in Charge. See this 30-page file for some of the first people hired to be part of the Immigration Border Patrol.
June 1, 1925, “The Bureau of Immigration reported that the U.S. Border Patrol had 424 Patrol Inspectors on duty and 32 Patrol Inspectors in Charge.”
In June 1, 1951, the U.S. Border Patrol began a new initiative to transport illegal aliens into the interior of Mexico. Dubbed “The Airlift,” the Service contracted with “Flying Tiger Lines” to use “converted C-46 Troop Transports” to transport Mexican aliens to the interior of Mexico.
Operation Short Stop commenced on June 1, 1977, and was terminated on January 5, 1978. Operation Short Stop would become the model for future forward deployment and linewatch operations and the development of the Southwest Border Strategy. As part of Operation Shortstop, 100 Agents were deployed from other sectors to the Chula Vista Sector to enhance linewatch and checkpoint operations.
The Enforcement Case Tracking System (ENFORCE) would allow Agents to automate the preparation of paperwork necessary to process immigration cases. Previously, Agents had to rely on manual typewriters to enter the information or use “homemade” programs to automate the processing, but they were not standard from Sector to Sector. ENFORCE began being deployed in San Diego Sector on June 1, 1994, with four sites as the system pilot.
June 1, 2009, “Chief David Aguilar becomes the first American law enforcement officer or dignitary to be the keynote speaker at a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadet graduation at the RCMP Depot (Academy), in Regina, Saskatchewan.”
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May 19 - May 25Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we explore a spectrum of pivotal moments and honor the sacrifices and service of our agents across decades. Starting with May 20, 1924, we delve into discussions that shaped the foundational roles within the Border Patrol, notably when the title of 'Inspector' was advocated for new 'patrolmen' to better reflect their duties. Moving to May 21, 1942, we highlight a lesser-known role of our agents during World War II when they were assigned to guard German enemy aliens being transported to detention camps, underscoring the diverse responsibilities handled by the Patrol. On May 19, 1961, during the tumultuous civil rights era, 349 Patrol Inspectors were deployed to Southern states to assist in maintaining order during significant racial disturbances, demonstrating the versatility and commitment of our agents in national crises. We also commemorate several agents whose line of duty deaths remind us of the inherent risks of our profession. We honor Agent Cruz C. McGuire, who passed on May 21, 2009, Agent Mark F. Van Doren, whose end of watch was May 24, 2010, and Agent Isaac Morales, who died on May 24, 2017, after being attacked while off-duty. On May 19, 2020, the criteria for the USBP Purple Cross were revised to more inclusively honor the physical sacrifices made by our agents due to duty-related injuries, enhancing the recognition for those who suffer in the line of duty. Lastly, we celebrate the bravery demonstrated on May 24, 2022, when several agents were recognized with the Newton-Azrak Award for their extraordinary actions during the tragic active shooter incident at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Join us as we reflect on these significant events and honor the legacy of those who have served in the U.S. Border Patrol. These stories not only commemorate our past but also shape our understanding and appreciation of the complex roles and courageous acts that define our agency. Enjoy and have a great week! 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESMay 19
...the Attorney General ordered the deployment of three hundred and forty-nine Patrol Inspectors to assist with maintaining order during the racial disturbances in the South. Theses deployments began on May 19, 1961, with Border Patrol Inspectors being deployed to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, Oxford, Mississippi, and Resurrection City, DC.
On May 19, 2020, a memo was issued to change the criteria of the USBP Purple Cross.
May 20 On May 20, 1924, the Acting District Director of the San Antonio District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the title of the new "patrolmen". The author advocates that the new position have the title Inspector, "...a designation which will be more fitting to the work which they will perform..." On May 20, 1935, a blueprint for a USBP sub-district headquarters was finalized. Interestingly, the design included a bunk room.
May 21 On May 21, 1942, the Army Transport S.S. Algonquin arrived in New Orleans from the Canal Zone with 40 German enemy aliens. Three Patrol Inspectors from the San Antonio District and one from the New Orleans District were assigned to guard the Germans on their bus trip to the Kenedy Detention Camp.
On May 21, 1952, the El Paso District and the County of El Paso entered into a lease agreement to house the Border Patrol Training School. The lease was $1.00 per year. The location was identified as the Ascarate Park. Line of Duty Death anniversary Cruz C. McGuire Date of Birth: January 19, 1962 Entered on Duty: September 30, 1984 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 21, 2009 Details: Border Patrol Agent Cruz McGuire, of the Del Rio Texas Station, collapsed the morning of May 21, 2009. Attempts by his fellow agents and medical professionals to revive him were unsuccessful. At the time of his collapse, Agent McGuire was working a trail with other agents. Agent McGuire began his career in law enforcement with the Del Rio Police Department and later joined the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office. Agent McGuire graduated with the 166th Session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the Kingsville Station. Agent McGuire transferred to the Del Rio Station on April 12, 1998. Gravesite May 22 Operation Wetback - Chief Harlon Carter (1913-1991) flew out to El Centro, California, on May 22, 1954, to meet with El Paso Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector Donald Coppock (1910-2011) and El Paso Chief Patrol Inspector Griffith McBee (1896-1972) as well as several other Southwest Border Chiefs to formulate a plan for an operation to aggressively address the illegal aliens through an enforcement “drive” beginning in the Los Angeles District and moving up to Northern California.
May 23 On May 23, 1906, a document was approved that defined the pay of the eleven positions in the Bureau of Immigration. On May 23, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General requesting rank and time-in-service fabric. The fabric was controlled by the Central Office (HQ). See this page for a deeper dive on the Border Patrol's early rank and time-in-service insignia. A few notes of interest, the memo references:
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Bruce D. Sanny Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector Border Patrol Agent Bruce D. Sanny was recognized for his courageous actions performed on May 23, 1983, in successfully stopping a driver-less van with three occupants, which was in danger of plummeting down a 100-foot cliff. May 24 The first autogiro to crash was piloted by Ned Henderson (1905-1945) and departed from San Antonio for Laredo on May 24, 1941. Henderson reported rotor blade trouble and was forced to crash land at Millet, Texas, near Cotulla. Henderson was bruised and fractured the ulna bone in his right forearm, but otherwise not seriously hurt.874 The aircraft was “completely wrecked.” After the crash, Henderson pleaded with Chief Supervisor Kelly (1903-1921) to continue the autogiro program,
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Joel C. Hardin Border Patrol Agent Bellingham, Washington On Thursday, May 24, 1979, Artie Ray Baker, who had escaped from prison, arrived from Canada at the Lynden Port of Entry with a female companion. Baker's car was selected for a routine inspection. Baker was referred to Customs Inspector Kenneth G. Ward for further examination inside the port-of-entry building. Once inside the building, Baker, fearing he would be caught, pulled a .45 caliber pistol from behind his back, shot and killed Inspector Ward. Baker and his companion fled the port-of-entry in his car. A short time later, Baker drove off-road and his car became stuck. Baker and his companion fled on foot and a large law enforcement search ensued. One of the searchers was Border Patrol Agent Joel Hardin. Even though the dogs and searching officers had obliterated most of Baker's tracks, Agent Hardin eventually found his trail. Accompanied by two local law enforcement officers with shotguns, Agent Hardin proceeded slowly to track Baker through the woods. He found where Baker had taken his boots off and had circled back, and where he hid in a tree. Agent Hardin pointed out where Baker had paused to put his boots on again, confident he had lost the tracking dogs. At about 8:00 a.m. Agent Hardin was closing in when a Bellingham Police detective spotted Baker crouching in the bushes, preparing to make a dash across Mission Road. The detective approached from behind, aimed his shotgun at Baker and ordered him to "freeze." Baker surrendered without a struggle, still in possession of the loaded .45 caliber pistol he used to kill Inspector Ward. Agent Harding was recognized with the Newton-Azrak Award for his part in capturing Baker. Line of Duty Death anniversary Mark F. Van Doren Date of Birth: July 18, 1969 Entered on Duty: January 19, 2009 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 24, 2010 Details: On May 23, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Mark F. Van Doren was in a vehicle accident while on patrol when his vehicle collided with a large bull on rural Farm-to-Market Road 755 in Brooks County, Texas. After the impact, his vehicle veered off the road- way and hit a tree. Agent Van Doren died on May 24, 2010 as a result of his injuries. His partner was critically injured in the crash, but survived. Agent Van Doren was a native of Garden City, Michigan. He was a member of the 849th Session of the Border Patrol Academy assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station within the Rio Grande Sector. Cremated Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Warren Becker III Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) Del Rio, Texas On May 24, 2022, at approximately 12:35 PM, BORTAC Agent Warren Becker responded to an urgent call-out at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Along with fellow BORTAC and BORSTAR agents, Becker found himself in the midst of a chaotic and dangerous active shooter situation. Demonstrating both courage and resolve, Becker stood at the front line, holding a ballistic shield to provide cover for his team as they prepared to breach the shooter's location. Despite the imminent threat, Becker bravely maintained his position, ultimately leading the entry into the classroom where the shooter was located. His courage under fire, unwavering commitment to the safety of his team and the victims, and his role in neutralizing the threat brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. Paul Guerrero Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) Del Rio, Texas On May 24, 2022, at approximately 11:45 AM, BORTAC Commander Paul Guerrero responded to an active shooter call at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. With multiple law enforcement agencies on scene and the situation rapidly evolving, Guerrero took charge and assumed tactical command. Amidst confusion and misinformation, he maintained composure and clarity of mission. Upon obtaining a master key, Guerrero made the critical decision to lead his team into the room believed to contain the shooter, exposing himself to potential gunfire. His decisive actions resulted in the successful neutralization of the threat, and his clear command facilitated the swift evacuation and triage of wounded victims. Commander Paul Guerrero's exemplary leadership and courageous actions under fire brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. Christopher P. Merrell - award certificate Border Patrol Agent (BORSTAR) Del Rio, Texas On May 24, 2022, at approximately 11:45 AM, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Christopher Merrell responded to an active shooter call-out at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Multiple law enforcement agencies were already on the scene and had provided a perimeter. They believed the subject was confined in a classroom. BPA Merrell provided cover as the team made their way to the door. As BPA Merrell began to scan the room, he observed the subject coming out of the closet firing towards the team. BPA Merrell immediately started engaging the subject until there was no longer a threat. BPA Merrell continued to provide cover as the team finished clearing the rooms and began helping the wounded inside the classroom. BPA Merrell's actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. Line of Duty Death anniversary Isaac Morales Date of Birth October 15, 1986 Entered on Duty: February 18, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 24, 2017 Details: On May 20, 2017, while off-duty in El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol Agent Isaac Morales was confronted by an assailant with a knife. Agent Morales identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and while attempting to disarm the assailant, Agent Morales was stabbed multiple times. Agent Morales succumbed to his injuries four days later, passing away on May 24, 2017. The killer was arrested and charged with murder. Agent Morales entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 18, 2008, as a member of the 749th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and was assigned to the Ysleta Station in the El Paso Sector. Agent Morales served with the United States Border Patrol for over 9 years. Gravesite May 25 On May 25, 1928, Nicholas Donald “Nick” Collaer (1896-1977) authored a letter recommending that Patrol Inspector Harry V. Ellis (1889-1959) not receive a promotion to Chief Patrol Inspector due to Ellis' lack of initiative. Ellis is listed in a December 1929, roster (page 16) as a Senior Patrol Inspector.
May 12 - May 18Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week in U.S. Border Patrol history, we commemorate the profound courage and sacrifice of our agents. From the early discussions in 1922 that shaped the foundation of the Border Patrol, to the heroic actions of Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Dan M. Harris Jr., who was awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for extraordinary bravery in 2007, our history is rich with dedication and valor. We also remember the sacrifices of Agents Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr., who tragically lost their lives in 2011, and Agent Daniel Salazar, who died in the line of duty in 2022. Each story is a testament to the risks and responsibilities borne by those who guard our borders. Join us as we reflect on these pivotal moments and honor the legacy of those who have served. Dive deeper into our storied past and the continued evolution of our mission in this week's blog. Enjoy and have a great week! 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESMay 12
Date of Birth November 16, 1971 Entered on Duty: August 20, 2001 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 12, 2011 Gravesite Eduardo Rojas, Jr. Date of Birth October 14, 1976 Entered on Duty: April 9, 2000 Title: Lead Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 12, 2011 Gravesite Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr., both dedicated members of the U.S. Border Patrol, tragically lost their lives on May 12, 2011, in a devastating accident. On that fateful morning, their government vehicle was struck by a freight train near the intersection of Interstate 8 and Paloma Road, about nine miles west of Gila Bend, Arizona. At the time, Agents Clark and Rojas were actively assisting other agents in the pursuit of a group of suspected illegal aliens. Agent Hector R. Clark, born on November 16, 1971, in the Yuma, Arizona community, joined the U.S. Border Patrol on August 20, 2001, as part of the 481st Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating, he was initially assigned to the El Centro Station in the El Centro Sector and later to the Yuma Station in the Yuma Sector. At the age of 39, Agent Clark's end of watch came while serving at the Yuma Station. He left behind a legacy of commitment and bravery, survived by his wife and two children. Agent Eduardo Rojas, Jr., born on October 14, 1976, in El Paso, Texas, began his service with the U.S. Border Patrol on April 9, 2000, as a member of the 432nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy. Following his graduation, he was assigned to the Yuma Station in the Yuma Sector, where he rose to the rank of Lead Border Patrol Agent. Agent Rojas, a graduate of Irvin High School, was 34 years old at the time of the accident. He is remembered for his dedication and service, survived by his wife and two children. Both agents are honored for their commitment and sacrifice to the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the U.S. Border Patrol and their communities. Their untimely passing is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those who protect our borders. May 13
Date of Birth: May 1, 1982 Entered on Duty: June 8, 2018 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: May 13, 2022 Details: Border Patrol Agent Salazar entered on duty on June 8, 2018, as part of 1097th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He recently served at the El Cajon Station in San Diego Sector. He had served in the San Diego Sector his entire career. Agent Salazar was killed in a single vehicle accident as he was responding to a sensor activation in the early morning hours. Reports indicate that he was driving on an unimproved road when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled down a steep embankment. Agent Salazar was thrown from the vehicle during the accident. BPA Salazar is survived by his wife Karina Martinez, his 9-month-old son Santiago Daniel Salazar, his father Humberto Salazar, his mother Marielena Salazar and his siblings Nancy Salazar, Cindy Chacon and Michael Salazar. Gravesite May 14
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May 5 - May 11Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, we reflect on pivotal moments and honor the courage of our Mounted Watchmen, Patrol Inspectors, and Border Patrol agents throughout the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Our remembrance begins with May 8, 1919, as we pay tribute to Mounted Watchman Charles L. Hopkins, tragically killed in a gunfight along the Rio Grande. His sacrifice exemplifies the enduring risks and challenges faced by the earliest members of our force. The narrative of courage continues to May 6, 1984, when we celebrate the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). This milestone marks a significant enhancement in our capabilities, providing specialized tactics and rapid response to secure national security. Further, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice more recently. On May 10, 1995, Patrol Inspector Xavier G. Magdaleno tragically died following a devastating accident near the El Paso Sector. Just as poignantly, on May 8, 2021, we remember Border Patrol Agent Freddie Vasquez, whose end of watch is a somber reminder of the dangers our agents face daily. Concluding our week of remembrance and reflection, on May 5, 2023, BORTAC members showcased exemplary skill by capturing a mass shooting suspect in Texas, highlighting the critical role our agents play in upholding safety and law at both local and national levels. As we explore these narratives from different eras, we are reminded of the heroism, dedication, and evolution within the Border Patrol. These stories do not only honor those who have served and sacrificed but also underscore the enduring values and steadfast mission of our agency. Enjoy and have a great week! 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESMay 5
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Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
September 2024
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