Was Jefferson Davis Milton the first Border Patrol Inspector?
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According to documents related to Jeff Milton's retirement in 1932, he was neither a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol. However, he was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which includes the present-day Tucson, El Paso, and Big Bend Sectors. It is believed that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol admired Jeff Milton's rugged independence and used it as a model for new inspectors to emulate. This likely led to the misconception that he was the first Border Patrol Inspector.
Regarding the notion of a "first" Border Patrol Inspector, evidence suggests that hiring took place simultaneously throughout the nation, rather than a single, initial appointment. Please refer to the supporting documents below:
Regarding the notion of a "first" Border Patrol Inspector, evidence suggests that hiring took place simultaneously throughout the nation, rather than a single, initial appointment. Please refer to the supporting documents below:
- It appears that the Commissioner-General of the Immigration Service sent memos to the eleven districts on May 29 and May 31, 1924, directing the Mounted Patrol to be integrated into the Immigration Border Patrol and initiating the hiring of Border Patrol Inspectors. See this document, which also contains the names of 25 Mounted Guards who transitioned to Border Patrol Inspectors.
- This document showcases some of the first Border Patrol Inspectors hired in the districts.
- This document lists the first Immigrant Inspectors who were appointed as Patrol Inspectors in Charge of sub-districts. This role would be re-designated as "Chief Patrol Inspector" in 1926.
