Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and 18 other Senate colleagues, introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution this week to recognize May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol.

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

The document outlines the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, beginning with its roots in the Mounted Guard assigned to the Immigration Service under the Department of Commerce and Labor from 1904 to 1924. It highlights that founding members included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier.

Following the Department of Labor Appropriation Act on May 28, 1924, the Border Patrol was established within the Bureau of Immigration with an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors. The early budget was $1 million annually, with each inspector earning $1,300 per year and providing their own horse.

The resolution also notes significant changes over time regarding illegal immigration and contraband alcohol traffic that necessitated formal training for border enforcement. Throughout its history, Border Patrol agents have been deputized as United States Marshals on numerous occasions.

Currently, more than 19,000 agents and 3,000 professional staff are stationed across 129 locations and 35 permanent checkpoints under 22 sectors. They are responsible for protecting over 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries. The U.S. Border Patrol is also tasked with drug interdiction between ports of entry.

The resolution emphasizes that Border Patrol agents have a dual role in protecting borders and enforcing immigration laws humanely while acknowledging their dangerous mission—evidenced by the loss of 155 agents and pilots in duty.

The Senate's resolution concludes by recognizing these achievements: “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 its ranks;

(4) remembers those who lost their lives in duty; and

(5) supports policies to improve working conditions, hiring processes, and retention.”

Joining Senators Scott, Cornyn, and Cruz on this resolution are Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

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