Border Patrol History | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="Since its inception in 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has had a proud history of service to our nation. Although enormous changes have affected nearly every aspect of its operations from its earliest days, the basic values that helped shape the Patrol in the early years; professionalism, honor, integrity, respect for human life, and a shared effort, have remained." /> <meta name="keywords" content="History,U.S. Border Patrol" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="U.S. Customs and Border Protection" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Border Patrol History" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Securing America's Borders" /> <meta property="og:image:url" content="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/cbp-seal-1200-630-px-2021.jpg" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Border Patrol History" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Since its inception in 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has had a proud history of service to our nation. Although enormous changes have affected nearly every aspect of its operations from its earliest days, the basic values that helped shape the Patrol in the early years; professionalism, honor, integrity, respect for human life, and a shared effort, have remained." /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@CBP" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/cbp-seal-vertical-blue_twitter-card_600.jpg" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="2YIpZhel4umHnM6D_mBcqzchvla5U2ukzZoAI3SO2xI" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history" /> <title>Border Patrol History | U.S. Customs and Border Protection</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_-7-FwymPn8noVtxS-C-I_dfsKkZp4sAs5s3OBFSg84w.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_0fobHNXLpdx_F3CHqrlrOPtQPBJtb5C-8BP73U9gN6w.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_91jpdbXz2b_U9PB6saEQd1YW8F0Y9S1oWhG8nwbLJ5U.css?delta=2&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_-s63JKz5baPKhfUFXGJx3h7yB8zaV3Yi1S3CUVHtZyM.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo" /> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/78225","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJx1UEFywyAM_BA21_6GESATGoE8SE5CX187TjxN2l6EdqXRLhv8HD9c4ovTExa0wc8OPOFM0LGZ8DZOxB7oH3oQ7ZRrMuGMMSs3ByFwi5mrPbpxalwVazSBQKRbD4LPvqAIJBQTmLh5vtmIEyykB-FyXSVWn694nTe0lVsByl9o4kncItcoT8d403XvbGNbZqDxAU1iToROIdm0lnc8wifcXslianKU00k3ez96M7dcdcvOYtWsfdgUxEgXxbJ_c5EJ4xbb4yRUoK45iCWGOBxwCLGa3f9ueAfuCHZVwtRAt2j30R8BXzJexd7rWDguhOYaiqsc0U2I0UM421_MfUeWdsFu9-cbWPjW6g","theme":"cbpd8_gov_theme","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":[],"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"","blocklist_classes":"","include_environment":false,"environment_id":"","environment_token":""},"tagIds":["GTM-5QTKRMH6"]},"gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"colorbox":{"transition":"elastic","speed":350,"opacity":0.85,"slideshow":false,"slideshowAuto":true,"slideshowSpeed":2500,"slideshowStart":"start slideshow","slideshowStop":"stop slideshow","current":"{current} of {total}","previous":"\u00ab Prev","next":"Next \u00bb","close":"Close","overlayClose":true,"returnFocus":true,"maxWidth":"98%","maxHeight":"98%","initialWidth":"300","initialHeight":"250","fixed":true,"scrolling":true,"mobiledetect":false,"mobiledevicewidth":"480px"},"wcmSurvey":{"userPercentage":"40","pageDepth":"4","url":"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/s\/cbpcustomersatisfactionsurvey","force":false,"surveyRetakeTimeout":"90","surveyPopup":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022wcm-survey-popup\u0022 class=\u0022\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\u0022message\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:center\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022DHS CBP Logo Seal\u0022 height=\u0022165\u0022 id=\u0022survey-logo-image\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/cbp-logo-rgb-200px.png\u0022 width=\u0022200\u0022 \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003EYou have been selected to participate in a brief survey about your experience today with CBP.gov.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n","survey":{"sid":"1","title":"Thank you for visiting our website.","body":"\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:center\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022DHS CBP Logo Seal\u0022 height=\u0022165\u0022 id=\u0022survey-logo-image\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/cbp-logo-rgb-200px.png\u0022 width=\u0022200\u0022 \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003EYou have been selected to participate in a brief survey about your experience today with CBP.gov.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","url":"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/s\/cbpcustomersatisfactionsurvey","targetlang":"en","yeslabel":"Yes, I\u0027ll give feedback","nolabel":"No, thanks","yestitle":"Yes, I\u0027ll give feedback","notitle":"No thanks, I do not want to give feedback","is_active":"1","patterns":[],"force":false},"debugMode":false,"position":"centered","offset":"","height":"","width":"","maxHeight":"60","maxWidth":"80"},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":true,"extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"0","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":true,"extExclude":"(https?:\\\/\\\/(.+?\\.)?gov(\\\/[A-Za-z0-9\\-\\._~:\\\/\\?#\\[\\]@!$\u0026\u0027\$\$\\*\\+,;\\=]*)?)","extInclude":"(play.google\\.com)","extCssExclude":"","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":true,"extAlertText":"You are now exiting the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The link leads to a website whose content, privacy and visitor management practices may differ from those of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Please review CBP Legal Notices for more information.","mailtoClass":"0","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"before","extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","whitelistedDomains":[]}},"ckeditorAccordion":{"accordionStyle":{"collapseAll":null,"keepRowsOpen":null,"animateAccordionOpenAndClose":1,"openTabsWithHash":1}},"mediaelement":{"attachSitewide":0,"setDimensions":0,"videoWidth":"-1"},"csp":{"nonce":"Gn3bnjvgl4NUAwXC1j9bqQ"},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"e82179e284061321f1f9a89f9615180b58f480e2b92830c8df14a7a36b858669"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_3MSsb85agsc13EdbgLI0ySpWnDh1Nhk7DxT9HyJsixM.js?scope=header&delta=0&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtm.js?snaysv"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtag.js?snaysv"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_kxZOIO_XnUxdSivKHsX3aIt3vNkB9lH4ezLaCRQI90s.js?scope=header&delta=3&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo"></script> </head> <body class="page-node-site_page page-node-78225 path-node page-node-type-site-page"> <a href="#page-title" class="usa-skipnav"> Skip to main content </a> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5QTKRMH6" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official government website"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="" > </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text" style="line-height: 1.5;">An official website of the United States government</p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true" style="line-height: 1.5;">Here’s how you know</p> </div> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default"> <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/us_flag_small.png" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Official websites use .gov </strong> <br/> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Secure .gov websites use HTTPS </strong> <br/> A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-title-default banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false"><title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title><desc id="banner-lock-description-default">A locked padlock</desc><path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/></svg></span> ) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" role="banner"> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="region region-header"> <div class="usa-logo" id="logo"> <a class="logo-img" href="/" accesskey="1" aria-label="CBP Seal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Links to CBP.gov homepage"> <img src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/CBP-logo-blue-lettering.png" alt="CBP Seal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Links to CBP.gov homepage" /> </a> </div> <div id="block-goooglesearchblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content:aa807bd1-185a-4f12-a072-08547da71bb1"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><script async src="https://cse.google.com/cse.js?cx=046b2c34bfd444e9a"></script> <div class="gcse-searchbox-only" data-resultsurl="/search">  </div> </div> </div> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> </div> <nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav" role="navigation"> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <img src="/themes/custom/dhs_uswds/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/close-white.svg" alt="close" /> </button> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <div class="region region-primary-menu"> <div id="usa-searchbar-mobile"> <div id="search-block-wrap" class="desktop:grid-col-6"> <form class="usa-search usa-search--small survey-processed" id="emerald-custom-search-form" action="/search" role="search"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="header-search-bar1">Enter Search Term</label> <input class="usa-input" tabindex="0" id="header-search-bar1" type="search" placeholder="Enter Search Term" name="query"> <button class="usa-button" id="search-button" tabindex="0" type="submit" title="Search"><img src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/search.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"></button> </form> </div> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-1"> <span>Travel</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Travel</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/us-citizens" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>U.S. Citizens/LPR</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-US-Citizens/LPR-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control"> <span>Mobile Passport Control</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/us-citizens/canada-mexico-travel"> <span>Canada and Mexico Travel</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go"> <span>Know Before You Go</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/international-visitors" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>International Visitors</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-International-Visitors-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/international-visitors/esta"> <span>ESTA</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/international-visitors/know-before-you-go"> <span>Know Before You Visit</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program"> <span>Visa Waiver Program</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Trusted Traveler Programs</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Trusted-Traveler-Programs-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/tsa-precheck"> <span>TSA PreCheck®</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry"> <span>Global Entry</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus"> <span>NEXUS</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri"> <span>SENTRI</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/fast"> <span>FAST</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Biometrics</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Biometrics-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/airports"> <span>Airport Locations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/land-crossings"> <span>Land Crossing Locations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/seaports"> <span>Seaport Locations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/media-releases"> <span>Media Releases</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/resources"> <span>Biometric Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/biometric-privacy-policy"> <span>Biometric Privacy Policy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/biometrics/biometric-partners"> <span>Biometric Partners</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/general-aviation-processing" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>General Aviation Processing</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-General-Aviation-Processing-5" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/publications/general-aviation-airport-fact-sheets"> <span>General Aviation Airport Fact Sheets</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/travel/general-aviation-processing/general-aviation-processing-faqs"> <span>General Aviation Processing FAQs</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-2"> <span>Trade</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Trade</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/basic-import-export" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Basic Import and Export</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Basic-Import-and-Export-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle"> <span>Exporting a Motor Vehicle</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/basic-import-export/importer-exporter-tips"> <span>Importer/Exporter Tips</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car"> <span>Importing a Car</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/basic-import-export/internet-purchases"> <span>Internet Purchases</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/priority-issues/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/USMCA"> <span>USMCA</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/automated" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Automation/Agency Partners</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Automation/Agency-Partners-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/automated/getting-started"> <span>Getting Started with ACE</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/ace/whats-new-innovation"> <span>Innovation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/ace-pga"> <span>PGA Integration</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Stakeholder Engagement</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Stakeholder-Engagement-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement/trade-relations"> <span>Office of Trade Relations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement/coac"> <span>Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC)</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement/trade-facilitation-and-cargo-security-summit"> <span>Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement/webinars"> <span>Trade Outreach Webinars</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/stakeholder-engagement/small-business-regulatory-enforcement-fairness-act-sbrefa"> <span>Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/priority-issues/import-safety" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Key Trade Issues</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Key-Trade-Issues-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers"> <span>Brokers</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/forced-labor"> <span>Forced Labor</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/green-trade-strategy"> <span>Green Trade Strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/priority-issues"> <span>Priority Trade Issues</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/quota"> <span>Quota</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/rulings" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Rulings & Legal Decisions </strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Rulings-&-Legal-Decisions--5" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/rulings/bulletin-decisions"> <span>Customs Bulletin and Decisions</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/rulings/eruling-requirements"> <span>eRuling Requirements</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/rulings/trade-related-federal-register-notices"> <span>Federal Register Notices</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/trade/rulings/informed-compliance-publications"> <span>Informed Compliance Publications</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link usa-current" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-3"> <span>Border Security</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Border Security</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Along U.S. Borders</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Along-US-Borders-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history"> <span>Border Patrol History</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/border-patrol-sectors"> <span>Border Patrol Sectors</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/human-trafficking"> <span>Human Trafficking</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/missing-migrant-program"> <span>Missing Migrant Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/strategic-plan"> <span>Strategic Plan</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>At Ports of Entry</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-At-Ports-of-Entry-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/canine-program"> <span>Canine Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security"> <span>Cargo Security</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/operations/preclearance"> <span>Preclearance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/protecting-agriculture"> <span>Protecting Agriculture</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/air-sea" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>From the Air and Sea</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-From-the-Air-and-Sea-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/air-sea/aircraft-and-marine-vessels/cbp-and-domestic-general-aviation"> <span>Domestic General Aviation</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>International Initiatives</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-International-Initiatives-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/frontline-against-fentanyl"> <span>Frontline Against Fentanyl</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives/cbp-attaches"> <span>CBP Attaches</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives/international-agreements/cmaa"> <span>Customs Mutual Agreements</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives/wco"> <span>World Customs Organization</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-4"> <span>Newsroom</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Newsroom</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Media & Public</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Media-&-Public-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/accountability-and-transparency"> <span>Accountability and Transparency</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/media-releases/all"> <span>Media Releases</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/comunicados-de-prensa"> <span>Comunicados de Prensa</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/press"> <span>Press Officers</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/social-media-directory"> <span>Social Media Directory</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/announcements"> <span>Announcements</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/photo-gallery" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Imagery</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Imagery-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/photo-gallery"> <span>Photo Gallery</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/video-gallery"> <span>Video Gallery</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Background</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Background-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/news/advisories"> <span>Advisories</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/news/news-from-cbp"> <span>Spotlights</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/stats"> <span>Stats and Summaries</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/cbp-publications-catalogue" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Publications Catalogue</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Publications-Catalogue-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/documents-library"> <span>Documents Library</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/publications/forms"> <span>Forms</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/frontline"> <span>Frontline Digital Magazine</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/publications/performance-accountability-financial"> <span>Reports</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-5"> <span>About CBP</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>About CBP</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Who We Are</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Who-We-Are-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/stats/typical-day-fy2023"> <span>A Typical Day at CBP</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/cbp-snapshot"> <span>CBP Snapshot of Operations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/document/publications/cbp-strategy-2024-2028"> <span>Vision and Strategy 2025</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/civil-rights-liberties"> <span>Civil Rights and Civil Liberties</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/labs-scientific-svcs"> <span>Labs and Scientific Services</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Learn About CBP</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Learn-About-CBP-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/contact"> <span>Contact Us</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/leadership-organization"> <span>Leadership/Organization</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/history"> <span>History</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/in-memoriam"> <span>In Memoriam</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/mobile-apps-directory/cbpone"> <span>CBP One™ Mobile Application</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/archive"> <span>Archive Search</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/environmental-management" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Environmental Stewardship</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Environmental-Stewardship-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/environmental-management"> <span>Environmental Management</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/environmental-management-sustainability/sustainability"> <span>Sustainability</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/congressional-resources" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Congressional Resources</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Congressional-Resources-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/congressional-resources/cbp-access"> <span>CBP Access</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/congressional-resources/protocol-congressional-facility-visits"> <span>Congressional Delegations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/congressional-resources/frequently-asked-questions-congressional-staffers"> <span>Congressional Office FAQs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/congressional-resources/congressional-staff-resources"> <span>Congressional Staff Resources</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item "> <a href="/about/searching-someone-cbp-custody"> <span>Searching for Someone in CBP Custody</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-6"> <span>Careers</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-6" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Careers</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Career Paths</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Career-Paths-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/usbp"> <span>U.S. Border Patrol</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/amo"> <span>Air and Marine Operations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/ofo"> <span>Office of Field Operations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/trade"> <span>Office of Trade</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/opr"> <span>Office of Professional Responsibility</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/professional"> <span>Other Career Opportunities</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Applicant Categories</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Applicant-Categories-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/veterans"> <span>Veterans</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/outreach-programs/hiring-persons-disabilities"> <span>Persons with Disabilities</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/reemployment-retirees"> <span>Retired Annuitant</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/other/ses"> <span>Senior Executive Service</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/car" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Prepare to Apply</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Prepare-to-Apply-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/car"> <span>Applicant Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/car/study-guides"> <span>Study Guides</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/new-employee-resources" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>New Employees</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-New-Employees-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/new-employee-resources"> <span>New Employee Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/new-employee-resources/benefits"> <span>Benefits</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/new-employee-resources/forms-helpful-information"> <span>Forms and Helpful Information</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers/new-employee-resources/onboarding-manager"> <span>Onboarding Manager</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-7"> <span>Employee Resources</span> <span class="expansion-indicator"></span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-7" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources" class="usa-nav__submenu-item-heading"> <span><h3>Employee Resources</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Family</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Family-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/backup-care-program"> <span>Backup Care</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/child-care"> <span>Child Care</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/employee-assistance-program"> <span>EAP</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/eldercare"> <span>Eldercare</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/financial-wellness"> <span>Financial Wellness</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/family/adding-family-member/paid-parental-leave-faqs"> <span>Paid Parental Leave</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Benefits</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Benefits-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits/dental-vision-insurance"> <span>Dental and Vision</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits/health-insurance"> <span>Health Insurance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits/fegli"> <span>Life Insurance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits/long-term-care"> <span>Long Term Care</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/benefits/tap"> <span>Tuition Assistance</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Retirement</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Retirement-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/applying"> <span>Apply for Retirement</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/csrs"> <span>CSRS</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/fers"> <span>FERS</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/military-service-deposit"> <span>Military Service Deposit</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/planning"> <span>Planning for Retirement</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/retirement/tsp"> <span>Thrift Savings Plan</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/worklife-balance" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>Worklife Balance & Wellness</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-Worklife-Balance-&-Wellness-4" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/health-wellness/healthiercbp"> <span>HealthierCBP</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/getting-connected/peer-support-chaplaincy"> <span>Peer Support and Chaplaincy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/health-wellness/substance-abuse-prevention"> <span>Substance Abuse Prevention</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/health-wellness/suicide-prevention"> <span>Suicide Prevention</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/getting-connected/veteran-support-program"> <span>Veteran Support Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/worklife-balance/webinars"> <span>Webinars</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/new-employees" class="usa-nav__link"> <span><strong>New Employee Resources</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-New-Employee-Resources-5" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/new-employees/forms-helpful-information"> <span>Forms and Helpful Information</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/worklife-balance/leave"> <span>Leave</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/new-employees/onboarding-manager"> <span>Onboarding Manager</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/worklife-balance/transportation-benefits"> <span>Transportation Benefits</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employee-resources/worklife-balance/workplace-flexibility"> <span>Workplace Flexibility</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <section class="usa-hero "> <div role="region" class="region region-hero" aria-label="Hero Banner Region"> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="" style="width: 100%; background-color: #E8E6DE; text-align: center;"> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-block:archive-search-block-1" id="block-views-block-archive-search-block-1"> <div><div class="view view-archive-search view-id-archive_search view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-7fb5ea741ca2b8da12bbea085674d49e1c8aca1efbed9183756c3bee7b2013b4"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <main class="usa-section" id="main-content"> <div class="grid-container "> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="grid-col-12"> <div class="region region-breadcrumb"> <div id="block-cbpd8-gov-theme-breadcrumbs" class="block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <ol class="add-list-reset uswds-breadcrumbs uswds-horizontal-list"> <li> <a href="/" aria-label="Breadcrumb item for: Home " >Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/border-security" aria-label="Breadcrumb item for: Border Security " >Border Security</a> </li> <li> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders" aria-label="Breadcrumb item for: Along U.S. Borders " >Along U.S. Borders</a> </li> <li> Border Patrol History </li> </ol> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <aside role="navigation" aria-label="leftside-nav" class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="region region-sidebar-first"> <div id="cbp-sidebar-desktop"> <ul class="usa-sidenav"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Security " class="usa-current expanded " > <span>Border Security</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: At Ports of Entry " > <span>At Ports of Entry</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Cargo Security and Examinations " > <span>Cargo Security and Examinations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Along U.S. Borders " class="usa-current expanded " > <span>Along U.S. Borders</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol History " class="usa-current expanded current-page-url" > <span>Border Patrol History</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/father-us-border-patrol" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Father of the U.S. Border Patrol " > <span>Father of the U.S. Border Patrol</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/early-rank-and-time-service-insignia" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia " > <span>Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/overview" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Overview " > <span>Border Patrol Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/missing-migrant-program" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Special Operations: Missing Migrant Program " > <span>Special Operations: Missing Migrant Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/programa-de-migrantes-desaparecidos" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Operaciones Especiales: Programa de Migrantes Desaparecidos " > <span>Operaciones Especiales: Programa de Migrantes Desaparecidos</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/border-patrol-sectors" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Sectors " > <span>Border Patrol Sectors</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/strategy" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Strategy " > <span>Border Patrol Strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/us-border-patrol-technology" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Technology " > <span>Border Patrol Technology</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/border-wall-system" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Wall System " > <span>Border Wall System</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/overview" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Immigration Inspection " > <span>Immigration Inspection</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/canine-program" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Canine Program " > <span>Canine Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/air-sea" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: From the Air and Sea " > <span>From the Air and Sea</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/frontline-against-fentanyl" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Frontline Against Fentanyl " > <span>Frontline Against Fentanyl</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/resource-opt-strategy" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Resource Optimization Strategy " > <span>Resource Optimization Strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/human-trafficking" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Human Trafficking " > <span>Human Trafficking</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/resource-opt-strategy/public-private-partnerships" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Public-Private Partnerships " > <span>Public-Private Partnerships</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: International Initiatives " > <span>International Initiatives</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/protecting-agriculture" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Protecting Agriculture " > <span>Protecting Agriculture</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/dhs-protected-areas-faqs" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: DHS Protected Areas FAQs " > <span>DHS Protected Areas FAQs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/national-vetting-center" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: National Vetting Center " > <span>National Vetting Center</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/immigration-action" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Immigration Action " > <span>Immigration Action</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="cbp-sidebar-mobile" class="usa-accordion"> <h4 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="left-menu-accordion" > Border Security </button> </h4> <div id="left-menu-accordion" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <ul class="usa-sidenav"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: At Ports of Entry " > <span>At Ports of Entry</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Cargo Security and Examinations " > <span>Cargo Security and Examinations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Along U.S. Borders " class="usa-current expanded " > <span>Along U.S. Borders</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol History " class="usa-current expanded current-page-url" > <span>Border Patrol History</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/father-us-border-patrol" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Father of the U.S. Border Patrol " > <span>Father of the U.S. Border Patrol</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/early-rank-and-time-service-insignia" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia " > <span>Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/overview" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Overview " > <span>Border Patrol Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/missing-migrant-program" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Special Operations: Missing Migrant Program " > <span>Special Operations: Missing Migrant Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/programa-de-migrantes-desaparecidos" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Operaciones Especiales: Programa de Migrantes Desaparecidos " > <span>Operaciones Especiales: Programa de Migrantes Desaparecidos</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/border-patrol-sectors" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Sectors " > <span>Border Patrol Sectors</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/strategy" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Strategy " > <span>Border Patrol Strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/us-border-patrol-technology" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Patrol Technology " > <span>Border Patrol Technology</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/border-wall-system" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Border Wall System " > <span>Border Wall System</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/overview" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Immigration Inspection " > <span>Immigration Inspection</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/canine-program" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Canine Program " > <span>Canine Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/air-sea" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: From the Air and Sea " > <span>From the Air and Sea</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/frontline-against-fentanyl" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Frontline Against Fentanyl " > <span>Frontline Against Fentanyl</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/resource-opt-strategy" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Resource Optimization Strategy " > <span>Resource Optimization Strategy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/human-trafficking" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Human Trafficking " > <span>Human Trafficking</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/resource-opt-strategy/public-private-partnerships" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Public-Private Partnerships " > <span>Public-Private Partnerships</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/international-initiatives" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: International Initiatives " > <span>International Initiatives</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/protecting-agriculture" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Protecting Agriculture " > <span>Protecting Agriculture</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/dhs-protected-areas-faqs" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: DHS Protected Areas FAQs " > <span>DHS Protected Areas FAQs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/ports-entry/national-vetting-center" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: National Vetting Center " > <span>National Vetting Center</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/border-security/immigration-action" aria-label="Left sidebar menu item for: Immigration Action " > <span>Immigration Action</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </aside> <div class="region-content region-content desktop:grid-col-6"> <div class="region region-content"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div id="block-pagetitle" class="block block-core block-page-title-block"> <h1 id="page-title" class="uswds-page-title page-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Border Patrol History</span> </h1> </div> <div class="language-switcher-language-content-entity block block-language block-language-block:language-content" id="block-languageswitchercontent" role="navigation"> </div> <div id="block-cbpd8-gov-theme-cbp-gov-theme-system-main" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article> <div> <div class="block block-cbp-plugins block-cbp-languae-switcher"> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Since its inception in 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has had a proud history of service to our nation. Although enormous changes have affected nearly every aspect of its operations from its earliest days, the basic values that helped shape the Patrol in the early years; professionalism, honor, integrity, respect for human life, and a shared effort, have remained.</p> <h2>The Origins of the Border Patrol</h2> <p>Mounted watchmen of the U.S. Immigration Service patrolled the border in an effort to prevent illegal crossings as early as 1904, but their efforts were irregular and undertaken only when resources permitted. The inspectors, usually called Mounted Guards, operated out of El Paso, Texas. Though they never totaled more than seventy-five, they patrolled as far west as California trying to restrict the flow of illegal Chinese immigration.</p> <p>In March 1915, Congress authorized a separate group of Mounted Guards, often referred to as Mounted Inspectors. Most rode on horseback, but a few operated cars and even boats. Although these inspectors had broader arrest authority, they still largely pursued Chinese immigrants trying to avoid the Chinese exclusion laws. These patrolmen were Immigrant Inspectors, assigned to inspection stations, and could not watch the border at all times. Military troops along the southwest border performed intermittent border patrolling, but this was secondary to "the more serious work of military training." Aliens encountered illegally in the U.S. by the military were directed to the immigration inspection stations. Texas Rangers were also sporadically assigned to patrol duties by the state, and their efforts were noted as "singularly effective."</p> <div class="image-left"><img alt="Jeff Milton, first Border Patrolman" style="width:152px; height:238px; margin-right:10px; margin-left:10px; float:left" src="/sites/default/files/styles/webp_original_size/public/assets/images/history_jeff_milton.jpg.webp?itok=hfV54zRR" class="image-style-webp-original-size"> </div> <p>Always referred to as "the first Immigration Border Patrolman", Jeff Milton (left) poses outside the Birdcage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona. Milton became a Texas Ranger in 1879 and later joined the U.S. Immigration Service, retiring in 1932. Milton died at his home in 1947 and according to his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the Arizona desert.</p> <p>Customs violations and intercepting communications to "the enemy" seemed to be of a greater concern than enforcing immigration regulations in the early years of the twentieth century. Agencies charged with inspecting people and goods entering and leaving the U.S. noticed that their efforts were totally ineffective without border enforcement between inspection stations. After 1917, a higher head tax and literacy requirement imposed for entry prompted more people to try to enter illegally.</p> <p>In 1918, Supervising Inspector Frank W. Berkshire wrote to the Commissioner-General of Immigration expressing his concerns about the lack of a coordinated, adequate effort to enforce immigration and customs laws along the border with Mexico.</p> <h2>Prohibition and Border Control</h2> <p><img alt="Inspecting an early stage, 1927" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_Phohibition%20and%20Border%20Control%20Pic%201.jpg" style="width:200px; height:150px; margin-top:9px; margin-bottom:9px; float:right">The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, prohibiting the importation, transport, manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages went into effect at midnight on January 16, 1920. With the passage of this constitutional amendment and the numerical limits placed on immigration to the United States by the Immigration Acts of 1921 and 1924, border enforcement received renewed attention from the government. The numerical limitations resulted in people from around the world to try illegal entry if attempts to enter legally failed. Therefore, the mission of the Border Patrol became more important to the U.S. Government.</p> <p>These events set the wheels of change into motion. On May 28, 1924, Congress passed the Labor Appropriation Act of 1924, officially establishing the U.S. Border Patrol for the purpose of securing the borders between inspection stations. In 1925 its duties were expanded to patrol the seacoast.</p> <h2>The Early Years</h2> <p><img alt="Brownsville, Texas - 1927" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20Early%20Years_Pic%201.jpg" style="margin:-2px 10px; width:179px; height:138px; float:left"></p> <p><img alt="Brownsville, Texas - April 24, 1928" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20Early%20Years_Pic%202.jpg" style="width:175px; height:138px; margin-right:10px; margin-left:10px; float:left"></p> <p>Officers were quickly recruited for the new positions. The Border Patrol expanded to 450 officers. Many of the early agents were recruited from organizations such as the Texas Rangers, local sheriffs and deputies, and appointees from the Civil Service Register of Railroad Mail Clerks.</p> <p>The government initially provided the agents a badge and revolver. Recruits furnished their own horse and saddle, but Washington supplied oats and hay for the horses and a $1,680 annual salary for the agents. The agents did not have uniforms until 1928.</p> <p><img alt="Smuggling Vehicle" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20Early%20Years_Pic%203.jpg" style="border-width:0px; border-style:solid; margin:0px 10px; width:195px; height:140px; float:right"></p> <p>In 1932 the Border Patrol was placed under the authority of two directors, one in charge of the Mexican border office in El Paso, the other in charge of the Canadian border office in Detroit. Liquor smuggling was a major concern because it too often accompanied alien smuggling. The majority of the Border Patrol was assigned to the Canadian border. Smuggling was commonplace along the Mexican border also. Whiskey bootleggers avoided the bridges and slipped their forbidden cargo across the Rio Grande by way of pack mules along the Southern border.</p> <p><img alt="Early Border Patrol Academy" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20Early%20Years_Pic%204.jpg" style="margin:10px; width:200px; height:130px; float:left">President Franklin D. Roosevelt combined the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Naturalization into the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1933. The first Border Patrol Academy opened as a training school at Camp Chigas, El Paso, in December 1934. Thirty-four trainees attended classes in marksmanship and horsemanship.<img alt="Border Patrol Agent on Horseback" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20Early%20Years_Pic%205.jpg" style="width:190px; height:138px; margin-top:12px; margin-bottom:12px; float:right"></p> <p>Although horses remained the transportation of choice for many years, by 1935, the Border Patrol began using motorized vehicles with radios. Rugged terrain and the need for quick, quiet transportation guaranteed that horses would remain essential transportation to the Patrol even to the present day.</p> <h2>The War Years</h2> <p><img alt="Border Patrol Agents Pictured with Aircraft" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_The%20War%20Years_Pic%201.jpg" style="margin:5px 10px; width:200px; height:158px; float:left">The workload and accomplishments of the Patrol remained fairly constant until 1940, when the Immigration Service was moved from the Department of Labor to the Department of Justice. An additional 712 agents and 57 auxiliary personnel brought the force to 1,531 officers. Over 1,400 people were employed by the Border Patrol in law enforcement and civilian positions by the end of WWII. During the war, the Patrol provided tighter control of the border, manned alien detention camps, guarded diplomats, and assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in searching for Axis saboteurs. Aircraft proved extremely effective and became an integral part of operations.</p> <h2>Border Patrol Role Expands</h2> <p>Legislation in 1952 codified and carried forward the essential elements of the 1917 and 1924 acts. The same year, Border Patrol agents were first permitted to board and search a conveyance for illegal immigrants anywhere in the United States. For the first time, illegal entrants traveling within the country were subject to arrest.</p> <p>As illegal immigration continued along the Mexican border, sixty-two Canadian border units were transferred south for a large-scale repatriation effort. In 1952, the government airlifted 52,000 illegal immigrants back to the Mexican interior. The program was terminated after it ran out of funds during its first year. The Mexican government offered train rides into the Mexican interior for nationals being returned from the San Antonio and Los Angeles districts, but this program was halted after only five months. Throughout the early 1950s, a special taskforce of 800 Border Patrol agents was assigned by the United States Attorney General to round up and ship home thousands of illegal immigrants in southern California. The task force moved to the lower Rio Grande valley, then to Chicago and other interior cities. The Border Patrol began expelling adult Mexican males by boatlift from Port Isabel, Texas, to Vera Cruz in September 1954. The project was discontinued two years later after nearly 50,000 noncitizens had been returned home. Various other flights, train trips, and bus trips originated along the border and terminated in the Mexican interior. In spite of the major successes in repatriation, many deportees simply turned around and recrossed the seriously undermanned border. Repatriation programs proved extremely expensive and were phased out primarily because of cost.</p> <p><img alt="Private Aircraft Being Searched by Border Patrol Agents" src="/sites/default/files/photo/BP%20History_Border%20Patrol%20Role%20Expands_Pic%201.jpg" style="margin:3px 10px; width:200px; height:161px; float:left"></p> <p>Significant numbers of noncitizens began entering the U.S. on private aircraft in the late 1950s. In cooperation with other federal services, the Border Patrol began tracking suspect flights. During the Cuban missile crisis of the early 1960s, Cuban defectors living in Florida flew aircraft out over the ocean in an effort to harass their former homeland. The American government made this harassment illegal, and assigned the Border Patrol to prevent unauthorized flights. The Patrol added 155 officers, but discharged 122 of them when the crisis ended in 1963.</p> <p>The early 1960s also witnessed aircraft-hijacking attempts and President John F. Kennedy ordered Border Patrol agents to accompany domestic flights to prevent takeovers. The Miami Sector of the Border Patrol coordinated the effort. By that time the business of alien smuggling began to involve drug smuggling also. The Border Patrol assisted other agencies in intercepting illegal drugs from Mexico.</p> <h2>Today's Border Patrol</h2> <p>The 1980s and 1990s saw a tremendous increase of illegal migration to America. The Border Patrol responded with increases in manpower and the implementation of modern technology. Infrared night-vision scopes, seismic sensors, and a modern computer processing system helped the Patrol locate, apprehend, and process those crossing into the U.S. illegally.</p> <p>In an effort to bring a level of control to the border, Operation "Hold the Line" was established in 1993 in El Paso, and proved an immediate success. Agents and technology were concentrated in specific areas, providing a "show of force" to potential illegal border crossers. The drastic reduction in apprehensions prompted the Border Patrol to undertake a full-scale effort in San Diego, California, which accounted for more than half of illegal entries. Operation "Gatekeeper" was implemented in 1994, and reduced illegal entries in San Diego by more than 75% over the next few years. A defined national strategic plan was introduced alongside Operation Gatekeeper and set out a plan of action for the Border Patrol into the future. With illegal entries at a more manageable level, the Patrol was able to concentrate on other areas, such as establishing anti-smuggling units and search and rescue teams such as BORSTAR. The Border Safety Initiative (BSI) was created in 1998 with a commitment by the Border Patrol and the promised cooperation of the Mexican government.</p> <p>Homeland security became a primary concern of the nation after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Border security became a topic of increased interest in Washington. Funding requests and enforcement proposals were reconsidered as lawmakers began reassessing how our nation's borders must be monitored and protected. On March 1, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established, and the U.S. Border Patrol became part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of DHS.</p> <p>The U.S. Border Patrol continues its efforts to control our nation's borders. The 21st century promises to provide enormous leaps in technology that can be applied to border enforcement. The modernization of the Patrol advances at a dizzying rate as new generations of agents develop innovative ways to integrate the contemporary technology into field operations. New and specialized technology is being created within the Border Patrol that holds increasing potential to assist agents in fulfilling the mission of the Patrol. Additionally, cooperation with neighboring countries increases border safety and law enforcement efforts. The future of the U.S. Border Patrol promises to be as exciting and interesting as its past, and will continue to echo the motto that agents have lived by since 1924.</p> <p>Honor First.</p> </div> <div class="node_view"></div> </div> </article> </div> <div id="block-cbpd8-gov-theme-nodelastpublishedblock" class="block block-cbp-plugins block-node-last-published"> <div class="margin-top-8 margin-bottom-0 "><span class="text-bold">Last Modified: May 10, 2024</span></div> </div> </div> </div> <aside role="complementary" aria-label="rightsidebar" class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <div class="region region-sidebar-second"> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-block:cbp-shared-fields-block-1" id="block-cbpd8-gov-theme-views-block-cbp-shared-fields-block-1"> <div><div class="page-specific view view-cbp-shared-fields view-id-cbp_shared_fields view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-4b521e5ee62290b6f884e252f5cfbdcd3c16e8e07158a2d6327b69f0f9977068"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="item-list"> <ul class="undecorated"> <li><div class="views-field views-field-field-blocks-sidebar__revision-id"><div class="field-content"><div class="usa-summary-box"> <div class="usa-summary-box__body"> <h2 class="usa-summary-box__heading">Related Content</h2> <ul class="undecorated linklist"> <li><a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/early-rank-and-time-service-insignia">The U.S. Border Patrol’s Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia</a></li> <li><a href="/border-security/along-us-borders/history/father-us-border-patrol">The Father of the U.S. Border Patrol</a></li> <li><a href="/document/publications/chiefs-us-border-patrol">Chiefs of the U.S. Border Patrol</a></li> <li><a href="/document/history/story-theodore-l-newton-jr-and-george-f-azrak">The Story of Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak</a></li> <li><a href="/about/memoriam/newton-azrak-award">The Newton-Azrak Award</a></li> <li><a href="/newsroom/video-gallery/video-library/newton-azrak-50th-anniversary">Newton-Azrak 50th Anniversary</a> | Video</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </aside> </div> </div> </main> <div class="usa-footer-container"> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--medium" role="contentinfo"> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#" class="focusable">Return to top</a> </div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap "> <div class=""> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <div class="region region-footer-menu"> <ul class="grid-row grid-gap add-list-reset"> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/travel" title="Travel" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/430342">Travel</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/trade" class="usa-footer__primary-link" title="Trade" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/430316">Trade</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/border-security" title="Border Security" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/430363">Border Security</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/newsroom" title="Newsroom" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64">Newsroom</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/about" class="usa-footer__primary-link" title="About" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/117">About CBP</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/careers" title="Careers" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/378245">Careers</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col-2 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/employee-resources" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/355565">Employee Resources</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__intermediate-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="usa-footer__logo grid-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-footer__logo-img" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/logo.png" alt="CBP Seal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection: U.S. Department of Homeland Security."> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__contact-links mobile-lg:grid-col-6"> <div class="usa-footer__social-links grid-row grid-gap-1"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://www.facebook.com/CBPgov" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .35rem; width: 3.0rem" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/facebook.svg" alt="Facebook"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://twitter.com/cbp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .60rem;" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/x20.svg" alt="X"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRj-aUsXBrlM8elk3zmLvw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .35rem" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/youtube.svg" alt="YouTube"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cbpphotos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding-top: .45rem; padding-bottom: .55rem; padding-left: .55rem; padding-right: .55rem;" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/flickr.svg" alt="Flickr"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://www.instagram.com/cbpgov" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .35rem;" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/instagram.svg" alt="Instagram"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/customs-and-border-protection?trk=tyah" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .65rem;" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin"></img> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link survey-processed" href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/subscriber/new" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img style="padding: .35rem; width: 3.0rem;" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/assets/img/social-icons/mail.svg" alt="email"></img> </a> </div> </div>  <address class="usa-footer__address"> <div class="usa-footer__contact-info grid-row grid-gap"> </div> </address> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__secondary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="grid-col-9"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead"> <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__logos"> <a href="https://www.dhs.gov" class="usa-identifier__logo"> <img class="usa-identifier__logo-img" src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/dhs-logo.svg" alt="U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal, circular with eagle and shield, 20 years surrounded by stars"> </a></div> <div class="usa-identifier__identity"> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain">CBP.gov</p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer"> An official website of the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov">U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a> </p> </div> </div> </section> <div class="region region-footer-secondary"> <div id="block-linkfooterbottom" class="block block-block-content block-block-content:77b844dc-10fd-402c-9625-aabe5c81192a"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="grid-col-4"> <ul class="undecorated"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/about">About CBP</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/site-policy-notices/accessibility">Section 508 Accessibility</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/newsroom/publications/performance-accountability-financial">Accountability</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/operational-and-support-components">DHS Components</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/newsroom/publications/forms">Forms</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-col-5"> <ul class="undecorated"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/site-policy-notices/foia">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/">Inspector General</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/about/eeo-diversity/no-fear-act">No FEAR Act</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/site-policy-notices/privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-col-3"> <ul class="undecorated"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/site-policy-notices">Site Policies</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/">The White House</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="https://www.usa.gov/">USA.gov</a></li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"><a href="/document/directives/vulnerability-disclosure-program-policy-and-rules-engagement">Vulnerability Disclosure Program</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="block-siteimproveanalyticsscript" class="block block-block-content block-block-content:fac3b44c-6424-400d-aafb-c06a1e917a89"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><script type="text/javascript"> /*<![CDATA[*/ (function() { var sz = document.createElement('script'); sz.type = 'text/javascript'; sz.async = true; sz.src = '//siteimproveanalytics.com/js/siteanalyze_6034474.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(sz, s); })(); /*]]>*/ </script></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ntas-widget"> <iframe id="ntas-frame" src="https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/" name="NationalTerrorismAdvisorySystem" title="National Terrorism Advisory System" width="170" height="180" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" seamless border="0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_a-WEzDnXH2h4zDfOU2qVRxCgQInw0pf0ohWk1zHLGq0.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo"></script> <script src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=DHS&subagency=CBP&yt=true" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_1vkBjjshIk8CJ5sWmdZ7rRxPZov4Bcm7cjamXzJgIFo.js?scope=footer&delta=2&language=en&theme=cbpd8_gov_theme&include=eJxtUFtywyAMvBA2v70NIyOZUAPyIDkJPX1x7WbaJD-gXa1WD8-J68R3izTDltT4k3CxpFjIPmFTgksxXHSv-RMbaaKU7QRCBi_iNrmh2JB4gmQOgHVbO_AJRNqhPONMIhBIevdKtnDNkOJXT08rfrjAV6cXyvRr954eRFsfMfRuM-GeDcwhkYMCqWn0YhMDDg84eCzm5rOTrV6p2eMzdNdus5zjjic0p5lCsEHzfwjhGY_wCXfjF8KoXB34vhlGLvYRjXPlolTwuI57aGNnQwXd1UfqTc0-dmEkNxPhBH6xL4y5RrqJ_XnHzLglMmvt7jAlslQ0ahv21eTloB27XbUmaFS_AYoZ1uo"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/ckeditor_accordion/js/accordion.frontend.min.js?snaysv"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/uswds_ckeditor_integration/js/aftermarket/uswds_accordion.js?snaysv"></script> <script src="/profiles/cbpd8_gov/themes/custom/cbpd8_gov_theme/ableplayer-cookie/js/js.cookie.min.js?v=1.0.0"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/ableplayer/js/ableplayer.min.js?v=1.0.0"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Border Patrol History | U.S. Customs and Border Protection