Welcome to the El Centro Sector of the United States Border Patrol. El Centro Sector is located in Southern California in the Imperial Valley. El Centro's area of operation has diverse terrain - principally desert with some mountain ranges and wide areas of agricultural lands. The desert poses a danger for agents and potential border crossers as the summer heat can exceed 120 degrees. El Centro Sector has four Border Patrol stations. They are located in the cities of El Centro, Calexico, Indio, and Riverside. The El Centro Sector is responsible for 70 miles of international border.
El Centro Sector History
The El Centro Sector was first established July 1, 1924 and covered 410 square miles. In 1925, a permanent Station Headquarters was established located at Fourth and Main Streets, El Centro, California with other stations located in Westmorland and Niland. A Border Patrol Chief was assigned and was assisted by an Immigrant Inspector. The entire force consisted of 39 Patrol Inspectors with substations established in Jacumba, Westmorland, Niland and Yuma.
At that time, an authorized force of 144 officers was established for the El Centro Border Patrol Sector. The officers who were detailed to the Imperial Valley area more than doubled the station's strength. As circumstances improved, the detailed officers returned to their respective stations and El Centro continued in the same operation.
In direct support of the National Strategy, the mission of El Centro Sector is working to protect the external boundaries of the United States and to prevent, detect, apprehend, and interdict terrorists, illegal aliens, smugglers, contraband, and violators of other laws. This mission is being accomplished utilizing a deterrence based enforcement strategy that employs a sophisticated blend of tactics, and technology and a highly visible deployment of agents. While new technologies and traditions are being created, the fundamental values of the Border Patrol still ring true, "Honor First."
Area of Responsibility
The El Centro Sector (ELC) is situated within the Imperial Valley of Southern California. ELC consists of four Border Patrol stations located at El Centro, Calexico, Indio, and Riverside. The El Centro Sector area of responsibility spans 71 linear miles along the International Boundary with Mexico from the Jacumba Mountains in the west to the Imperial Sand Dunes in the east. The Imperial Valley has three main cities, Calexico, El Centro and Brawley. These incorporated areas and other small communities comprise less than one percent of the land.
The commemorative coin was designed to visually depict El Centro Sector's esprit de corps and the commitment of the brave men and women of El Centro Sector who protect and secure our country and its citizens from all foreign threats.
Front - Depicted on the front of the coin is the CBP Border Patrol Agent badge worn proudly by all Border Patrol Agents.
Back - Our Sector's area of responsibility encompasses a variety of geographical terrain. The second side of the El Centro Sector Coin represents the "El Centinela Mountain", the dunes of the East Desert, and the Ocotillo plant, which grows in abundance in our region. The location of the El Centro Sector is depicted by a star within the State of California and near the star lies the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. The Western Diamondback can be found throughout our area of operation and has long been a symbol of the American Southwest, its people, and its culture. Outlined are the four stations within the El Centro Sector.
