November 24 - November 30Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week takes us back to key moments that highlight the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices that define the U.S. Border Patrol. On November 24, 1994, Senior Patrol Agent Robert E. Lindemann demonstrated extraordinary resolve and investigative skills during an international kidnapping incident, locating and rescuing two children abducted from Canada and safely returning them to their mother. We also look to the foundational roots of the Patrol, as a November 25, 1918 memo from George Harris and Frank Berkshire ties their work to the Mills Building in El Paso, the birthplace of Berkshire’s historic proposal for the creation of the Border Patrol. This week’s entries further explore unique facets of Border Patrol history, from promotional pathways in the 1950s to the early challenges of overcrowded detention facilities in the 1910s. We remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This week, we commemorate Border Patrol Agent John D. Keenan, who died in a tragic vehicle collision in 1989; Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Martin Barrios and Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez Jr., both of whom passed in 2021; and Patrol Agent Oscar T. Torres, who lost his life in a tragic fall in 1974. Their sacrifices underscore the risks taken daily to protect our nation. Additionally, we spotlight the heroic actions of Border Patrol Agent Osbaldo Rios on November 29, 2017. Agent Rios exhibited exceptional bravery, saving his partner’s life and his own by neutralizing an armed threat in a perilous encounter. Join us in this week’s blog as we explore these powerful stories of service, sacrifice, and the evolution of the Border Patrol. 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 MILESTONESNovember 24
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Robert E. Lindemann Senior Patrol Agent Detroit Sector On November 24, 1994, two small children were kidnapped in Windsor, Ontario, Canada by a suspect who had three warrants in Canada for Threats to Cause Death and Assault. The suspect, with the abducted children, then illegally entered the United States by running through the Port of Entry at Detroit, Michigan, in his vehicle. Senior Patrol Agent Robert E. Lindemann immediately commenced an investigation into the incident. After a diligent investigation, utilizing numerous sources, Agent Lindemann was able to locate the abducted children in a barricaded house where he safely rescued the children. Agent Lindemann then returned the children back to the Canadian Police authorities and their grateful mother. During this international incident, Agent Lindemann exhibited exemplary self-motivation in initiating this investigation. His professional demeanor in this incident reflects the highest standards of competence of the Border Patrol. November 25 The subject of this document from November 25, 1918 isn’t as important as some of the other information it contains.
Many erroneously believe that U.S. Customs Service was disbanded or dissolved like the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This public law from November 25, 2002, clearly shows that the Customs Service was renamed the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, not disbanded/dissolved and assigned the U.S. Border Patrol to it (see page 186). November 26 Early documents such as one May 6, 1926, show that a Patrol Inspector’s career path would require becoming an Immigrant Inspector (later renamed an Immigration Inspector) to achieve higher Border Patrol positions. This document from November 26, 1956 demonstrates the difficulties of that promotional approach as different laws were enacted such as those affecting law enforcement retirement. November 27 Line of Duty Death anniversary John D. Keenan Date of Birth: February 11, 1953 Entered on Duty: November 16, 1987 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 27, 1989 Details: At about 3:50 a.m., on November 27, 1989, Border Patrol Agent John D. Keenan was involved in an automobile accident on U.S. Highway 83 at FM-492 near Mission, Texas. He was operating a Service vehicle and was driving east on U.S. Highway 83 when a northbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on FM- 492 failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the accident. Patrol Agent Keenan died at the scene from multiple injuries sustained in the accident. Gravesite November 28 On November 28, 1928, a gunfight occurred in El Paso between two Border Patrol Inspectors and approximately eight alcohol smugglers. This document gives a very brief description of the shooting and how approximately 100 rounds were exchanged. The Patrol Inspectors were:
On November 28, 1951, Harlon Carter (1913-1991), Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first to have graduated the BP Academy, wrote a memo concerning proposed changes to the BP uniform. The memo confirms that:
November 29 The earliest evidence of widespread detention space overcrowding and suggested actions are described in this November 29, 1918 memo written by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934). The detention space overcrowding was driven by the newly enacted Passport Act and regulations (refer to the sources cited in the relevant Wikipedia article for further details). The main solution was to allow aliens to “voluntarily return” when deemed appropriate. As per the Twelfth Supplement to General Order 10 (November 29, 1927), releasing aliens from custody on their own recognizance (OR) has been a practice for many decades. This supplement addresses aliens that were OR’d so that they could voluntarily return to Mexico. On November 29, 1930, District Director Thomas V. Kirk (1862-1947) of the Jacksonville District, sent a manpower report to the Commissioner-General. The report shows the Border Patrol strength and locations in the district. The district had three sub-districts (sectors), Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa. Oakdale Federal Detention Center, Louisiana - On November 29, 1987, the Cubans released their hostages and surrendered. As part of the negotiations, they demanded that the Border Patrol not participate in the post-release sweep. Two BORTAC agents (Mike Gregg and Bob Hines) participated in the sweep dressed as Bureau of Prison personnel.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Osbaldo Rios - award set, presentation 1, presentation 2 Border Patrol Agent Tucson, Arizona On November 29, 2017, Three Points Border Patrol Agent Osbaldo Rios displayed exceptional composure and courage, saving the lives of his partner and himself. Agent Rios was performing patrol duties in an area located approximately 50 miles southwest of Tucson, and about 15 miles north of the international border with Mexico. Agent Rios and two partners had responded to a ground sensor activation in a remote canyon of the Baboquivari Mountains when they observed a group of five suspected illegal aliens. As the agents closed in, the suspects scattered in multiple directions. The agents gave chase and three suspects were apprehended. One agent maintained custody of those suspects while Agent Rios and his other partner continued pursuit of the remaining two. His partner observed a suspect and immediately gave chase, physically engaging the suspect as he was attempting to descend a steep embankment. During the physical encounter, Agent Rios partner rolled down the embankment, with the suspect ending atop of him. As the struggle ensued, the suspect struck the agent several times in the face. The event was observed by an Air and Marine Operations aircraft, and relayed to the other agents. During the encounter, the suspect gained control of the agent's sidearm. As Agent Rios approached his partner's location, he observed the suspect with a firearm pointed at his partner. Agent Rios called out to the suspect to draw his attention and avert him from firing. The suspect looked toward Agent Rios, now aiming the weapon at him. Without hesitation, Agent Rios discharged his service weapon, neutralizing the threat. Agent Rios swift and decisive action resulted in preventing the death or injury of his partner, and himself. Line of Duty Death anniversary Martin Barrios Date of Birth: May 1, 1970 Entered on Duty: April 28, 2003 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 29, 2021 Details: SBPA Barrios entered on duty on April 28, 2003, as part of the 548th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Brian A. Terry Station in the Tucson Sector, Arizona. SBPA Barrios served his country in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1995 prior to joining the United States Border Patrol. 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. He is survived by his wife Gaby; children: Marty and Samantha; and siblings: Laura and Corina. Obituary November 30 On November 30, 1928, Border Patrol Inspector Herschel W. Patterson (1903-1992) was on annual leave (off-duty) when he engaged alcohol smugglers. Twenty shots were exchanged with no injuries. See this document. The Border Patrol Air Transport fleet and its pilots also became the original “Con Air” in November 1955, when it began flying federal prisoners for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The first flight would take place on November 30, 1955, when 46 federal women prisoners would be transferred from Roanoke, Virginia, to Long Beach, California. The flights would become a regular function of the Border Patrol Air Transport fleet flying routes to BOP facilities at Terminal Island CA, Lompoc CA, La Tuna TX, El Reno OK, Leavenworth KS, Terre Haute IN, New York City NY, and various other federal prisons as needed.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Oscar T. Torres Date of Birth: April 19, 1937 Entered on Duty: June 19, 1969 Title: Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 30, 1974 Details: Patrol Agent Oscar T. Torres was assigned the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift on November 30, 1974, in the El Paso Station area. At approximately 2:30 a.m., he proceeded to the West Railroad Bridge to assist in opening the gates for a train inbound from Mexico. Agent Torres and Patrol Agent (Trainee) Robert M. Worsham walked onto the bridge to open the gates while Worsham's partner, Patrol Agent Wayne Winn, Jr., remained with an apprehended alien in a Border Patrol vehicle at the end of the bridge. After opening the gates and while walking back toward the vehicle, Agent Torres stumbled and fell headfirst through an opening in the bridge to the river bottom, a distance of 25 feet. The fall was witnessed only by the alien, as Trainee Worsham and Agent Winn were not facing toward Torres when the accident took place. The officers immediately went to the aid of Agent Torres, and an ambulance soon removed him to Providence Memorial Hospital. He expired at 4:55 a.m., the cause of death being listed as concussion. Gravesite Line of Duty Death anniversary Salvador Martinez Jr. Date of Birth: February 22, 1970 Entered on Duty: June 24, 2002 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 30, 2021 Details: Agent Martinez entered on duty on June 24, 2002, as part of the 516th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Alamogordo Station in the El Paso Sector, 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. He is survived by his wife Leonor; daughter: Itzel; Father: Salvador; siblings: Elva and Lourdes; and cousins Border Patrol Agent Jesus Aguilar and CBP Management and Program Analyst Fabian Aguilar Sr. Agent Martinez was preceded in death by his mother Julia. Obituary
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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
December 2024
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