This Week in USBP History
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In this Week in USBP history, moments of exceptional marksmanship, sacrifice, and service highlight the enduring legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol. From the early development of the Patrol in the 1920s to national-level shooting competitions in the 1930s and operational support during the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, these historical entries reflect the evolving responsibilities and professionalism of the organization. This week also honors the memory of Border Patrol Agents and Inspectors who gave their lives in the line of duty, including Xavier G. Magdaleno, Richard M. Goldstein, Hector R. Clark, Eduardo Rojas, Jr., Daniel Salazar, and Richard A. Lugo.
The week recalls El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth praising Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. and famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. as among the finest competitive shooters in the nation following their accomplishments at Fort Huachuca in 1934. It also highlights key historical documents from 1924 and 1956 that reveal the rapid growth and operational challenges of the Border Patrol, including early staffing requests and support for additional border fencing. Additionally, the tradition of playing the Border Patrol March at Academy graduations traces its origins to the 130th Session in 1979.
The stories of fallen personnel remain central to this week’s remembrance. Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic train collision after six years of paralysis. Agent Richard M. Goldstein gave his life while apparently attempting to rescue his K-9 partner from the Coachella Canal. Agents Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. were killed in a train collision while assisting fellow agents in Arizona. Agent Daniel Salazar lost his life responding to a sensor activation in San Diego Sector, and Patrol Inspector Trainee Richard A. Lugo died in a vehicle rollover accident near Yuma in 1967. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to define Honor First.
The week recalls El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth praising Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. and famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. as among the finest competitive shooters in the nation following their accomplishments at Fort Huachuca in 1934. It also highlights key historical documents from 1924 and 1956 that reveal the rapid growth and operational challenges of the Border Patrol, including early staffing requests and support for additional border fencing. Additionally, the tradition of playing the Border Patrol March at Academy graduations traces its origins to the 130th Session in 1979.
The stories of fallen personnel remain central to this week’s remembrance. Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic train collision after six years of paralysis. Agent Richard M. Goldstein gave his life while apparently attempting to rescue his K-9 partner from the Coachella Canal. Agents Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. were killed in a train collision while assisting fellow agents in Arizona. Agent Daniel Salazar lost his life responding to a sensor activation in San Diego Sector, and Patrol Inspector Trainee Richard A. Lugo died in a vehicle rollover accident near Yuma in 1967. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to define Honor First.
THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONES
May 10 - May 16
May 10
On May 10, 1934, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the two Border Patrol Inspectors placing in a shooting competition. Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. (1908-1984) was "declared state champion at the rifle and pistol matches held a Fort Huachuca under the auspices of the Arizona State rifle Association". Famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. (1907-1999) won the police pistol match and it was suspected that his perfect score may have been a new record. In closing, Wilmoth boasted:
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Xavier G. Magdaleno
Date of Birth: September 9, 1950
Entered on Duty: September 15, 1980
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 10, 1995
Details:
On May 10, 1989, Border Patrol Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno and his partner were driving their vehicle alongside the railroad tracks in an area of the El Paso Sector known as the “slag pits.”
The agents were driving east between the slag piles and outbound tracks. A train was coming toward them on these tracks. Once clear of the slag piles, Agent Magdaleno tried to execute a 180-degree turn. The wheels of the vehicle began to slide in the soft slag. The vehicle would not respond to the steering wheel; instead, it plowed forward, alongside the incoming tracks. The agents did not see the incoming train because of the slag piles and the curve of the track until it was about 75 yards from the vehicle. Agent Magdaleno put the vehicle into reverse in an attempt to get out of the train’s way. However, the train struck the vehicle on the passenger side and threw the rear of the vehicle toward the track, striking it again. On the initial impact, Agent Magdaleno’s partner was thrown out of the vehicle away from the train. The second impact threw Agent Magdaleno out of the vehicle, and it came to rest on top of him. He was pinned under the wreckage for 45 minutes. When freed, he was taken to R.E. Thomason General Hospital, where surgery was performed. He was paralyzed from the neck down, requiring ventilator assistance. He died from his injuries on May 10, 1995. Agent Magdaleno was a graduate of the 139th session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the El Paso Station at the time of his death.
Gravesite
May 11
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Richard M. Goldstein
Date of Birth: September 10, 1969
Entered on Duty: March 25, 2002
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 11, 2007
Details:
On May 11, 2007, Agent Richard M. Goldstein drowned in the Coachella Canal near Niland, California, east of the Salton Sea. After he went missing, Agent Goldstein’s canine partner was found sitting alongside his vehicle, which was parked and idling near the canal. The Customs and Border Protection and California Highway Patrol Air divisions assisted several Border Patrol Agents in the search for the missing agent. A short time later, he was found drowned a few miles from his vehicle.
Agent Goldstein’s K-9 partner, Carlo, was wet, and markings in the area indicated the dog had been in the water and struggled to get out of the canal. Early reports indicated that Agent Goldstein entered the canal in order to rescue his K-9 partner.
Agent Goldstein was a five-year veteran of the Border Patrol and was assigned to the El Centro Sector’s Indio Station.
Gravesite
May 12
Resurrection City - Prior to his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr. had begun plans for a peaceful “occupation” of the National Mall in Washington, DC, bringing together people of all races and economic conditions from across the country to bring attention to economic inequality.688 After his death, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) took up the mantle of what was to be called “The Poor People’s Campaign” and sought to set up a sixteen-acre tent city, dubbed “Resurrection City, U.S.A” on the National Mall... Not having sufficient manpower to maintain order, the Marshals reached out to the U.S. Border Patrol and 38 Patrol Inspectors were detailed and deputized as Deputy U.S. Marshals on May 12, 1968.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Hector R. Clark
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.
A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related.
May 13
On May 13, 1924, the San Antonio District sent a detailed memo to the Central Office in response to an April 30, 1924 request. The San Antonio District memo described, in detail, the locations to which the "additional guards" would be assigned. The San Antonio District included modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Daniel Salazar
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
On May 14, 1914, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General recommending against expanding the duties of Junior Inspectors, a position that had been announced in 1913.
On May 14, 1925, the "Chief, Accounts and Personnel Division" wrote a high-level memo concerning the operating costs and strength of the Border Patrol by position.
On May 14, 1931, Commissioner-General received a letter from the Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association. The letter concerned Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport's (1878-1961) interest in having personnel participate in an annual shooting match at Camp Perry in Ohio.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Richard A. Lugo
Date of Birth: August 14, 1935
Entered on Duty: July 18, 1966
Title: Patrol Inspector (Trainee)
End of Watch: May 14, 1967
Details:
On May 14, 1967, Patrol Inspectors (Trainee) Richard A. Lugo and Bruce A. Plaskett were assigned to maintain sign cutting drag strips and to deliver tire drags to selected sites. They were enroute from their official station, Yuma, Arizona, to Andrade, California, traveling north on Levee Road at approximately 40 miles per hour. Without advance indication that anything was wrong, the right rear tire of the 1966 International Scout suddenly deflated, causing the rear end of the vehicle to swerve radically. Trainee Lugo lost control of the vehicle, which skidded and overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its left side with the top crushed in almost to the level of the body. Trainee Lugo was killed instantly, his head having been crushed when the vehicle overturned.
Gravesite
May 15
Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.
May 16
On May 16, 1956, two documents were written to support the construction of additional border fencing:
One of the unique traditions that started at the graduation of the 130th Session on May 16, 1979, was the playing of the Border Patrol March as the graduating trainees walked into the auditorium. The Border Patrol March was composed and arranged by George F. Briegal (1890-1968) and Czerna C. Lafler (1891-1973), two U.S. Army officers in Plattsburgh, New York.
On May 10, 1934, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the two Border Patrol Inspectors placing in a shooting competition. Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. (1908-1984) was "declared state champion at the rifle and pistol matches held a Fort Huachuca under the auspices of the Arizona State rifle Association". Famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. (1907-1999) won the police pistol match and it was suspected that his perfect score may have been a new record. In closing, Wilmoth boasted:
- Considerable interest is being displayed by officers in this district in competitive shooting and it will be noted that we have in our ranks at least two of the foremost shots in this section - if not in the United States.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Xavier G. Magdaleno
Date of Birth: September 9, 1950
Entered on Duty: September 15, 1980
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 10, 1995
Details:
On May 10, 1989, Border Patrol Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno and his partner were driving their vehicle alongside the railroad tracks in an area of the El Paso Sector known as the “slag pits.”
The agents were driving east between the slag piles and outbound tracks. A train was coming toward them on these tracks. Once clear of the slag piles, Agent Magdaleno tried to execute a 180-degree turn. The wheels of the vehicle began to slide in the soft slag. The vehicle would not respond to the steering wheel; instead, it plowed forward, alongside the incoming tracks. The agents did not see the incoming train because of the slag piles and the curve of the track until it was about 75 yards from the vehicle. Agent Magdaleno put the vehicle into reverse in an attempt to get out of the train’s way. However, the train struck the vehicle on the passenger side and threw the rear of the vehicle toward the track, striking it again. On the initial impact, Agent Magdaleno’s partner was thrown out of the vehicle away from the train. The second impact threw Agent Magdaleno out of the vehicle, and it came to rest on top of him. He was pinned under the wreckage for 45 minutes. When freed, he was taken to R.E. Thomason General Hospital, where surgery was performed. He was paralyzed from the neck down, requiring ventilator assistance. He died from his injuries on May 10, 1995. Agent Magdaleno was a graduate of the 139th session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the El Paso Station at the time of his death.
Gravesite
May 11
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Richard M. Goldstein
Date of Birth: September 10, 1969
Entered on Duty: March 25, 2002
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: May 11, 2007
Details:
On May 11, 2007, Agent Richard M. Goldstein drowned in the Coachella Canal near Niland, California, east of the Salton Sea. After he went missing, Agent Goldstein’s canine partner was found sitting alongside his vehicle, which was parked and idling near the canal. The Customs and Border Protection and California Highway Patrol Air divisions assisted several Border Patrol Agents in the search for the missing agent. A short time later, he was found drowned a few miles from his vehicle.
Agent Goldstein’s K-9 partner, Carlo, was wet, and markings in the area indicated the dog had been in the water and struggled to get out of the canal. Early reports indicated that Agent Goldstein entered the canal in order to rescue his K-9 partner.
Agent Goldstein was a five-year veteran of the Border Patrol and was assigned to the El Centro Sector’s Indio Station.
Gravesite
May 12
Resurrection City - Prior to his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr. had begun plans for a peaceful “occupation” of the National Mall in Washington, DC, bringing together people of all races and economic conditions from across the country to bring attention to economic inequality.688 After his death, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) took up the mantle of what was to be called “The Poor People’s Campaign” and sought to set up a sixteen-acre tent city, dubbed “Resurrection City, U.S.A” on the National Mall... Not having sufficient manpower to maintain order, the Marshals reached out to the U.S. Border Patrol and 38 Patrol Inspectors were detailed and deputized as Deputy U.S. Marshals on May 12, 1968.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Hector R. Clark
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.
A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
- Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
- Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
- Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
- Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
- Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
- Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
- Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
- Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
- Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. in 2011
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related.
May 13
On May 13, 1924, the San Antonio District sent a detailed memo to the Central Office in response to an April 30, 1924 request. The San Antonio District memo described, in detail, the locations to which the "additional guards" would be assigned. The San Antonio District included modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors.
- On April 30, 1924, the Action Commissioner-General sent a memo to the 11 immigration districts that were adjacent to the borders of the United States. The memo indicated that funding was expected to be approved in the amount "...to effectively put a stop to all smuggling operations along the land boundaries..." The memo instructed to the district heads to respond by telegram with the number of "guards or patrolmen" each district wished to receive. They were instructed to follow the telegram with a written, more detailed response. The memo also contains the telegram responses.
- Interestingly, once created and until 1941, the Border Patrol had more inspectors assigned to the northern border than to the southern border. This occurred even though the southern border had requested staffing levels three times greater than that of the northern border. Some may say that a greater number of inspectors were placed on the northern border in response to the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the Volstead Act, Prohibition. Further, many sources cite that the Border Patrol was created in response to Prohibition. However, no official Immigration Service documents have been discovered in the National Archives that support that popular claim.
- When conducting research at the National Archives, it was assumed that there must have been a plan in existence to implement once funding was received to create the USBP. The memo above and the corresponding telegrams clearly demonstrate that no such plan existed a mere three weeks before funding would be received.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Daniel Salazar
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
On May 14, 1914, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General recommending against expanding the duties of Junior Inspectors, a position that had been announced in 1913.
- In 1924, Border Patrol Inspectors had no immigration authority. By law, authority rested with employees who had the title "Immigrant Inspector" who were paid more than Border Patrol Inspectors. In order that Border Patrol Inspectors might receive legal authority without being paid more, the Commissioner-General wrote a proposal to the Second Assistant Secretary of the Department a Labor requesting to resurrect a plan that was used in 1913 for Mounted Watchmen, and to rename Border Patrol Inspectors, Junior Immigrant Inspectors. See this document.
On May 14, 1925, the "Chief, Accounts and Personnel Division" wrote a high-level memo concerning the operating costs and strength of the Border Patrol by position.
On May 14, 1931, Commissioner-General received a letter from the Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association. The letter concerned Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport's (1878-1961) interest in having personnel participate in an annual shooting match at Camp Perry in Ohio.
- Marking the birth of the USBP National Pistol Team, the Border Patrol participated in a 1934 match at Camp Perry. See this page for more information.
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Richard A. Lugo
Date of Birth: August 14, 1935
Entered on Duty: July 18, 1966
Title: Patrol Inspector (Trainee)
End of Watch: May 14, 1967
Details:
On May 14, 1967, Patrol Inspectors (Trainee) Richard A. Lugo and Bruce A. Plaskett were assigned to maintain sign cutting drag strips and to deliver tire drags to selected sites. They were enroute from their official station, Yuma, Arizona, to Andrade, California, traveling north on Levee Road at approximately 40 miles per hour. Without advance indication that anything was wrong, the right rear tire of the 1966 International Scout suddenly deflated, causing the rear end of the vehicle to swerve radically. Trainee Lugo lost control of the vehicle, which skidded and overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its left side with the top crushed in almost to the level of the body. Trainee Lugo was killed instantly, his head having been crushed when the vehicle overturned.
Gravesite
May 15
Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.
May 16
On May 16, 1956, two documents were written to support the construction of additional border fencing:
- This document provides a justification for both the fencing that existed at the time as well as the construction of new fencing. On an interesting note, this document provides that the USBP was apprehending approximately 200 aliens per day on the southern border, a striking contrast to modern numbers.
- This document provides estimates for the additional manpower and equipment needed if the request for additional fencing were not approved. The fencing locations are identified as Chula Vista, Calexico, Yuma, El Paso, and Brownsville.
One of the unique traditions that started at the graduation of the 130th Session on May 16, 1979, was the playing of the Border Patrol March as the graduating trainees walked into the auditorium. The Border Patrol March was composed and arranged by George F. Briegal (1890-1968) and Czerna C. Lafler (1891-1973), two U.S. Army officers in Plattsburgh, New York.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999 by Joseph Banco
