Welcome to the New Orleans Sector! On behalf of the men and women of the Sector, thank you for your interest in us. Our mission is homeland security-nothing less than protecting our citizenry and our way of life from those that intend to do us harm. Homeland security is the duty of not only the law enforcement community, but every citizen of this country. Therefore, New Orleans Sector promotes partnerships with the law enforcement community and our citizens to enhance our collective efforts.
The New Orleans Sector has jurisdiction over a seven-state area, encompassing 592 counties and parishes and approximately 362,310 square miles, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and a portion of the Florida panhandle.
The Sector office is located in New Orleans with Stations located in New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama.
The first Border Patrol stations within what is now defined as the New Orleans Sector were established in 1927. From 1927 to 1934 operations were primarily concerned with the apprehension of alien crewman deserters and aliens being smuggled into the United States by boat. In 1934, during the Great Depression, the New Orleans Sector was closed for economic reasons. In 1941 Border Patrol Stations were reopened in Lake Charles, New Orleans, and Gulfport. In early 1942, due primarily to the threat of enemy infiltration, a large force of Border Patrol Agents were assigned to the Gulf Coast area to check persons departing the beach areas bound for points in the interior, and prevent the entry of enemy agents into the United States.
The Sector as presently defined, has the New Orleans International Airport, two major seaports (New Orleans and Mobile), and fifteen smaller seaports that range from Lake Charles, Louisiana eastward to Port St. Joe, Florida. Daily operations are carried out in these areas and the areas generally located south of U.S. Highway 80 in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the ten counties of Florida west of the Apalachicola River.
The symbolism on the reverse of the coin depicts the origins of New Orleans Sector and the historical nature of the Mississippi River. When New Orleans Sector originally commenced operations, duties were focused on crewmen control and commerce issues. Over time the mission and strategy have changed but the Mississippi River has remained a vital conduit for our nation's economy thus recognized on our first-ever challenge coin.
On the left side of the reverse is the Fleur-de-lis, meaning "flower of the lily". This is a highly recognizable symbol in New Orleans and is associated with the French ancestry and heritage that is still evident today.
On the right side of the reverse is the Patrol Inspector badge representing New Orleans Sector's history dating back to 1927.
The Columns or Pillars symbolize fortitude and constancy and imply that its bearer supports others who are frail or vulnerable.
