This Week in USBP History

This Week in USBP History - 10/31-11/06

10/31/2021

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1918

On November 3, 1918, Frank Berkshire (The Father of the Border Patrol), submitted his final proposal for the creation of the Border Patrol. In this proposal, Berkshire was instructed to submit absolute minimums. He proposed a force of 264 Border Patrolmen for the southern border which would absorb all Mounted Watchmen. This proposal would be approved by the Acting Secretary on November 12, 1918. However, implementation wouldn't occur until 1924 after several years of interdepartmental meetings and once funding was received (pg 240).

1925

In one of the earliest references to a Border Patrol intelligence unit, the District Director of the Detroit District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General on November 3, 1925, concerning the excellent results of a sub-district's "so-called "Intelligence Division".
On November 4, 1925, a vender write a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning Border Patrol and Immigrant Inspector uniforms.

1930

On November 1, 1930, a gunfight occurred in El Paso between three Border Patrol Inspectors and a person known as "Chato". This document contains a cover memo an a sworn statement of one of the Border Patrol Inspectors. Chato was wounded and is suspected to have died in Mexico due to his wounds.

1932

In 1932, Frank Berkshire (The Father of the Border Patrol) was the Director of the Canadian Border District (which was the northern border Chief of the Border Patrol at the time). On November 1, 1932, Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General his concurrence for a new uniform coat.

1936

It is believed that by 1936 it was known that portions of the Department of Labor were going to be transferred to the Department of Justice. This memo, written November 2, 1936 by the Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is his response to the the INS losing the Border Patrol, most likely in response to such a transfer.
- They don't write like this anymore - In reply to your letter of the 27th ultimo, it is a rather difficult task to so untangle the strands that bind the Border Patrol to other branches of the Service into a single unit as to arrive at any accurate measure of added staff necessities with the Border Patrol arm of the Service removed.

1940

On October 31, 1940, the Chief Patrol Inspector of the Being Bend Sub-district wrote a memo to the El Paso District Director containing his suggestions of outpost stations and their designs.

1998

On November 5, 1998, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry created the spec sheets for the USBP flag and USBP Pennant. Both designs would be officially approved on June 11, 1999.

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This Week in USBP History - 10/24-10/30

10/24/2021

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1924

This October 30, 1924 memo illustrates the confusion concerning the authorities of Border Patrol Inspectors (BPI). Concerning BPI's enforcing Prohibition and Customs laws, the United States Attorney writes, "Whether the immigration officer should assist in the enforcement of the other two laws above mentioned, is to my mind, a question of policy to be decided by your chief superior officer." However, with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1925, BPI's were given law enforcement powers (see Sections 235 and 287, (sound familiar?)). Further, with the implementation of General Order 63 on March 29, 1926, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor and the Commissioner-General authorized Immigration and Border Patrol Officers to enforce laws other than immigration laws.

1928

A cover memo to the Commissioner-General and brief report of a shooting/alcohol seizure that occurred on October 24, 1928. In this incident, Immigration Border Patrol and a Mounted Customs officer were working together.

1936

This October 27, 1936 letter is from a company that manufactured USBP uniforms. The letter is asking clarification concerning the color of the leather for the bill of the USBP's Pershing hat. This is question is in response to the the USBP's second Uniform Policy, General Order 179 (GO179), where the Sam Brown belt colors were different for the northern border (black) and the southern border (cordovan).

1940

In this October 30, 1940 memo, the Chief Patrol Inspector of the Tucson Sub-district writes his boss, the District Director of the El Paso District, recommending locations to create Border Patrol "outposts" and includes a diagram of the facilities.

1950

Camp Chigas was the location of the Sector HQ, station and the academy. The buildings were old and not really meeting the need of the Patrol. So, proposals had been presented to create a training facility in El Paso. This October 24, 1950 memo, discussed the status of continuing the construction of the new training location.
- Earlier memos also concerning the project include:
  - A June 5, 1950 memo and an August 8, 1950 lease agreement that identifies the construction location.
- This memo also has significant information, specifically correcting erroneous history concerning the beginning of a national training academy. See the paragraph below:
  - The Border Patrol Training School was set up in 1936 in space that had previously been a part of the office of the Chief Patrol Inspector. Alien apprehensions between 1936 and 1942 varied from ten to twenty per day and these could be readily processed-in the space available. For the past several years, alien apprehensions have been running from 100 to 200 per day, and it is not possible to handle and process the large groups now being brought into El Paso in the space presently available. The Chief Patrol Inspector now regularly uses one of the school classrooms for handling and processing aliens since this classroom is vacant during the afternoon when part of the students are at the Target Range.
- If still standing, the building housing the El Paso Sub-district 2 headquarters and station and, the first national training school (also known as Camp Chigas) would be located in the United States by 10-20 feet. See this document. However, there is a former U.S. Border Patrol Building that is still standing that is located in Mexico. It is the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas building. See this document.

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This Week in USBP History - 10/17-10/23

10/17/2021

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1910

On October 20, 1910, the Supervising Inspector of the Southwest Border Frank Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the selection and compensation of "mounted inspectors" (which were also know as mounted watchmen and mounted guards). Frank Berkshire would become the Father and the Border Patrol and the 3rd person to have been "Chief of the Border Patrol".

1927

On October 19, 1927, two separate shootings occurred in the El Paso Sub-district. This document contains the reports of both shootings.

1929

On October 17, 1929, the Commissioner-General responded to the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District's request to appoint 4 Senior Patrol Inspectors to act as assistants to their respective sub-district Chief Patrol Inspectors.
- In 1929, the Montreal District included 4 sub-districts which would be called "sectors" in the 1940's (Houlton, Newport, Rouses Point and Massena).
- This memo contains the earliest reference of which I am aware of the "Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector" position.

1930

This October 18, 1930 report details an alcohol seizure by which the Marfa Sub-district Border Patrol Inspectors and local Customs Border Patrol Inspectors combined forces to catch over 400 gallons of alcohol valued at approximately $680,000 in today's dollars.

1940

This collection of costs to build Border Patrol facilities is signed by "H.J. Walls, Assistant Supervisor of Border Patrol". This is the earliest known evidence of the position that would evolve to become "Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol".

1941

On October 17, 1941, Willard Kelly, the 4th Chief of the Border Patrol, wrote a memo to the DOJ concerning (Immigration) Guard badges. This memo highlights a few things:
- Internment camps were being staffed before the U.S. entered WWII
- Although the USBP did augment the internment camps, there was an (Immigration) Guard position that was most likely the primary position to fill that roll
- Nick Collaer, who is mentioned in the memo, was a Chief Patrol Inspector for the El Paso Sub-district, then the Assistant Superintendent of the El Paso District and he finished his federal career as the 7th Chief of the Border Patrol (1948-1950)
- Finally, although not mentioned in the memo, the (Immigration) Guard uniforms are believed to have been very similar to the USBP uniforms, as the DEO uniforms were similar to the USBP uniforms in the 1990's and early 2000's. Therefore, when looking at old internment camp photos, it is difficult to ascertain if a person in a "USBP" uniform was a (Immigration) Guard or a Border Patrol Inspector.

1954

Fences are not a new concept on the southwestern border. See this October 20, 1954 photograph of a 2-mile fence in Nogales.

2004

On October 20, 2004 the Border Patrol Basic Academy returned to Artesia, New Mexico where it remains today. The first class to report to Artesia was session 583. The Border Patrol Academy continued to teach Spanish to all trainee agents until session 715, when trainees were able to test out of Spanish, shortening the academy to 55 days for those able to pass the Spanish Proficiency Test. Traditionally agents begin their careers on the southern Border. In August of 2008, session 803 was the first class with trainees reporting to the Northern U.S. Border since 1950.

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This week in USBP History, 10/10-10/16

10/10/2021

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1918

This memo written on October 15, 1918, by Frank Berkshire (The Father of the Border Patrol), details the conditions, attitudes and difficulties along the Southwest border after the implementation of laws and regulations were passed regarding aliens crossing the border. From Berkshire's perspective, the creation of a "Border Patrol" was the solution to enforcing those laws and regulations.

1927

On October 11, 1927, Chief Patrol Inspector Grey of the Houlton Sub-district writes his boss, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District, explaining the need to have 5 men assigned to each of the subdistrict's stations (Calais, Vanceboro, Houlton and Fort Fairfield). He also, takes the opportunity to request additional equipment. Also, noteworthy in the memo that CPI Grey's does not identify his AOR as a "Sub-district #1" but as "Patrol District #1". That is contrary to the naming convention order in General Order 61 in 1926.
On October 12, 1927, Chief Patrol Inspector Thomas of the Massena Sub-district also writes his boss, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District. Based on this document, it is evident that he and CPI Grey were responding to a memo from their boss. This memo, CPI Thomas describes the manpower and AOR of the sub-district's four stations (Fort Covington, Massena, Morristown, and Depauville). Further, CPI recommends and provides his justifications for opening another station at Hogansburg, NY. Like CPI Grey above, CPI Thomas does not use the naming convention mandated by General Order 61.
On November 29, 1927, the 12th Supplement to General Order 10 was issued. This policy was created in the attempt to compel aliens who were released during removal proceedings and granted permission a voluntary return, to actually leave the United States. this was to be done by withholding the alien's documents and returning the documents as the alien departed the country at a POE.

1928

On July 3, 1928, the 13th Supplement to General Order 10 was issued. This document authorized aliens to voluntarily depart as as crewmen.

1930

This PDF contains two memos and a sworn statement detailing a brief exchange of gunfire that occurred on October 16, 1930, between Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers in El Paso, TX.

1943

On October 13, 1943, John Nelson (acting Chief of the Border Patrol) wrote his boss, Willard Kelly (the previous Chief of the Border Patrol) a memo explaining the reasons that 143 of 253 Border Patrol Inspectors had left employment (18 were terminated and 125 resigned). Very interesting about this memo is that it clearly shows that Willard Kelly had promoted above Chief of the Border Patrol and that John Nelson (who was the Director of the Border Patrol Academy) had been temporally promoted to Chief of the Border Patrol.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions

1980

Myron Merchant
Border Patrol Agent
Swanton, Vermont
On October 14, 1979 at approximately 10:30 p.m. a call was received by Border Patrol Agents at Rouses Point, New York that two men were walking in a sparsely populated rural area south on Cannon Corners Road near Mooers Forks, New York.  Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Myron Merchant and another agent responded to the call.  BPA Merchant took a surveillance position at the intersection of Cannon Corners Road and Route 11.  Soon afterwards, BPA Merchant saw two men walking a short distance from his location.  Suddenly the men ran into the woods. BPA Merchant notified the other agent by radio of the circumstances and followed the suspects into the woods.  About fifty feet from the road BPA Merchant came under close range gunfire. One shot struck him in the upper abdomen, knocking him to the ground.  One of the assailants walked toward him and raised his weapon in an apparent attempt to kill him.  BPA Merchant instinctively rolled on the ground as the assailant fired narrowly missing him.  BPA Merchant drew his weapon and returned the gunfire, killing the assailant. While seriously wounded, BPA Merchant marked the position of the dead man with his flashlight and then crawled on his back to the road where he was met by the agent he had earlier radioed.

During the gunfire the second man fled.  He was captured later at a New York State Police roadblock in Mooers, New York.  BPA Merchant’s ability and presence of mind to be able to give a description of the second man greatly contributed to his capture. The two men were later identified as two escapees who had been charged with murdering a Montreal, Quebec police officer and seriously wounding two other officers of that city.  BPA Merchant’s actions that evening reflect his great personal courage and presence of mind during an emergency life and death situation.

2003

Robert H. Arnold Jr.
Senior Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector
Herbert L. Williams
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector
Senior Patrol Agent Robert H. Arnold Jr. and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams were recognized for their acts of bravery and heroism during the pursuit of a narcotics load vehicle after it illegally entered the U.S. with 1,900 pounds of marijuana.

On October 12, 2002, Agent Arnold and his partner Border Patrol Agent Valerie Jaramillo pursued a narcotics load vehicle back to the Rio Grande River after it had entered the United States illegally. This occurred approximately 27 miles east of the Ft. Hancock, Texas Port of Entry.

The driver abandoned the vehicle (containing 1,900 pounds of marijuana) and crossed back into Mexico. The driver, along with several other armed assailants, began shooting into the United States at these agents.  Agents Arnold and Jaramillo were ambushed and came under heavy gunfire.  Agent Jaramillo was shot in the leg and the same bullet narrowly missed Agent Arnold.  Additional rounds struck the engine compartment and battery, disabling their vehicle.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams entered the area as back up and took heavy fire.  Agent Arnold returned fire from cover.  Agent Williams positioned his vehicle in the line of fire to provide additional cover so that Agent Jaramillo could be extracted safely.  Agents in self-defense of the heavy automatic gunfire fired over 240 rounds.  Agent Arnold removed Agent Jaramillo to Agent Williams vehicle and then left the scene to meet with a medical helicopter.  Agent Williams provided cover fire as they left the area, at which time they were continuing to take heavy fire from Mexico.  Agent Williams was able to safely get out of the line of fire and Agent Jaramillo subsequently recovered from her gunshot wound.

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This Week in USBP History, 10/03-10/09

10/3/2021

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1922

In 1918 Frank Berkshire, the Father of the Border Patrol, submitted no less than three proposals to create the Border Patrol. These proposals led to the creation of an Inter-Departmental Committee comprised of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Justice, Labor and Treasury. After months of meetings and discussions, on October 4, 1922, the Inter-Departmental Committee recommended the creation of the Border Patrol.

1924

The earliest know Border Patrol announcement is from October 7, 1924. Points of interest:
- No requirements for the applicant to provide their own horse or firearm.
- Women could apply
- Required experience (condensed and paraphrased)
  - 2 years as a federal, state or local law enforcement officer, or
  - 6 months in the military, or
  - 6 months experience in a prestigious law enforcement organization such as the Texas Rangers, Pennsylvania State Constabulary, New York State Constabulary, or the Royal Northwest Mounted Police
- Must be able to speak and read Spanish is assigned to the Mexican border
- Must be 5'7" tall
- Must be between 23-45 years old

1927

The position that would become Chief of the Border Patrol was created in 1926 with Ruel Davenport being the Chief for the Northern Border and George Harris Chief of the Southern Border. By 1927, Harris was transferred leaving Davenport the sole Chief of the Border Patrol until 1932. In 1927, Davenport surveyed the entire Border Patrol and on October 5, 1927, submitted this report to the Commissioner-General of the Bureau of Immigration on his findings. A few quotes stand out in the report:
- From a somewhat doubtful and hesitant force it has developed into one now sure of its ground, convinced of its necessity and positive in its action.
- This weeding out process has had the effect of educating the public, generally speaking, to the fact that this Service does not tolerate triflers or grafters within its ranks.
- Perhaps the most important of these changes is the discontinuance of openly wearing side-arms or handcuffs on the belt during the day, particularly in cities, villages, or thickly settled rural communities. It is found that this practice has caused considerable adverse criticism and seems entirely unnecessary.

1953

This document, written on October 5, 1953, details the design, locations and cost to build border fences in Texas and California.

1987

October 5, 1987, Ramey Sector was dedicated.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
1994

Jose (Joe) L. Perez
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
On the night of October 3, 1994, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jose (Joe) L. Perez was performing his patrol duties in the Dulzura, CA area on Highway 94. Highway 94 runs east and west adjacent to the International Border between the United States and Mexico. While performing his patrol duties, Agent Perez came upon a one-car vehicle accident. Being the first law enforcement officer on the scene, Agent Perez took those steps necessary to notify the proper agencies through the Border Patrol Dispatch, and then took additional steps well above the call of duty.

Agent Perez observed that there were three occupants trapped inside a vehicle that was overturned and resting on its roof. As Agent Perez approached the vehicle, he observed that the doors were jammed shut. Agent Perez used what leverage he could and managed to open one front door. Through this door, Agent Perez was able to remove the driver and the front seat passenger. He placed both of them out of the flow of traffic and returned to the car. Agent Perez then observed that the vehicle was on fire and that there was still one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Agent Perez reentered the vehicle and doubled his efforts to free the remaining passenger. The last passenger was trapped between the collapsed roof of the vehicle and the rear seat with her legs hanging through the shattered rear window. Using brute strength, Agent Perez was able to force the seat to move sufficiently to allow him to extricate the passenger. Although the vehicle was on fire, Agent Perez took the time to ensure that any possible spinal or neck injuries were cared for before moving the passenger to a safe location. Agent Perez continued performing immediate first aid until the arrival of the paramedics and fire units.

2020
Robert S. Holmes - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Grand Forks, ND
On October 3, 2020 at 9:00 PM, Bottineau Station Border Patrol Agent Robert Holmes assisted local law enforcement with a call regarding a suicidal man who was on top of a 144-foot structure. Beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, Agent Holmes went to the top of the structure to search for the man. Upon reaching the top, Agent Holmes began searching the massive area which was riddled with shafts, pipes and other industrial hazards. Under the cover of night, Agent Holmes was able to locate the man, who was armed with a knife, near the edge of a grain elevator. Agent Holmes began a tactful conversation with the man and ultimately talked him into storing the knife in his pocket and moving away from the edge to safety. Agent Holmes’ actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

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This Week in USBP History - 10/31-11/06

This Week in USBP History - 10/24-10/30

This Week in USBP History - 10/17-10/23

This week in USBP History, 10/10-10/16

This Week in USBP History, 10/03-10/09

Clifford Gill

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