CHULA VISTA, Calif.—San Diego Sector celebrated the U.S. Border Patrol’s 93rd anniversary at their headquarters in Chula Vista on May 25. On hand at the event was former Congressman Duncan L. Hunter, who was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Darryl Griffen, retired Congressman
Duncan Hunter, Sr., and Chief Patrol
Agent Richard Barlow view the Fallen
Agent Memorial at the USBP’s 93rd
Anniversary celebration on May 25,
2017.
In a 15-minute speech, former Congressman Hunter briefly recapped the state of border security in San Diego between the 1990's and early 2000's. During his time in Congress, he had been a strong advocate for building a primary and secondary fence between U.S. and Mexico to enhance border security.
Hunter cited a FBI statistic reflecting a 54.6 percent reduction in crime in the San Diego area after border fencing was established locally.
Hunter said, “No fence works unless you have it well-manned, unless you have it backed up by people with great judgment and who have courage. You in San Diego have created a model for the entire country.”
Following Hunter’s speech, the agency held a ceremonial cake-cutting, as San Diego Sector’s senior-most active agent, a veteran with 34 years of service, initiated the first cut. The sector’s four newest agents, all of whom entered on duty in 2016, followed in the cutting of the cake to signify the passing of honor and experience of the Border Patrol from one generation to the next.
The event was attended by Border Patrol employees, retirees, and other special guests.
The U.S. Border Patrol has a proud history of service to our nation since May 28, 1924. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the agency became a component of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the Department of Homeland Security.