Kelly Joins Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Celebrating 100th Anniversary of Border Patrol

Kelly Joins Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Celebrating 100^th Anniversary of Border Patrol

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined border Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and 18 other colleagues in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution recognizing the U.S. Border Patrols’ 100^th anniversary on May 28, 2024.  

See text below: 

“Recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100^th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol and commending the service of the U.S. Border Patrol to the United States people. 

Whereas the Mounted Guard was assigned to the Immigration Service under the Department of Commerce and Labor from 1904 to 1924; 

Whereas the founding members of this Mounted Guard included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, and deputized cowboys; who patrolled the Texas frontier looking for smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United States; 

Whereas, following the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of May 28, 1924, the Border Patrol was established within the Bureau of Immigration, with an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors, an annual budget of $1,000,000, and $1,300 in annual pay for each patrol inspector, with each patrolman furnishing his own horse; 

Whereas changes regarding illegal immigration and increases of contraband alcohol traffic brought about the need for this young patrol force to have formal training in border enforcement; 

Whereas, during the U.S. Border Patrol’s 100-year history, Border Patrol agents have been deputized as United States Marshals on numerous occasions; 

Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol’s highly trained and motivated personnel have also assisted in controlling civil disturbances, performing national security details, aided in foreign training and assessments, and responded with security and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of numerous natural disasters; 

Whereas the present force of over 19,000 agents and 3,000 professional staff, located in 129 stations and 35 permanent checkpoints under 22 sectors, is responsible for protecting more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries; 

Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has also been assigned additional interdiction duties, and is the primary agency responsible for drug interdiction between ports of entry; 

Whereas Border Patrol agents have a dual role of protecting the borders and enforcing immigration laws in a fair and humane manner; and 

Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has a historic mission of firm commitment to the enforcement of immigration laws, but also one fraught with danger, as illustrated by the fact that 155 Border Patrol agents and pilots have lost their lives in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Senate— 

1. recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol on May 28, 2024;
2. applauds the significant achievements of the U.S. Border Patrol; 
3. commends the tens of thousands of men and women who have served in the ranks of the U.S. Border Patrol; 
4. remembers the 155 agents and pilots who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties; and 
5. offers its support for policies to improve the working conditions, hiring processes, and retention of Border Patrol agents.” 

Read full resolution here.