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Warroad Port of Entry remembers fallen Immigration Inspectors

Release Date
Tue, 10/10/2017

WARROAD, Minn. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations honored Immigration Inspectors Laurence E. Doten and Lawrence C. Jones who were killed in the line of duty 87 years ago on Aug. 24, 1930.

Port Director Jared Olafson
Warroad, Minnesota, Port Director
Jared Olafson speaks during a
memorial ceremony for two
Immigration Inspectors who were
killed in the line of duty Aug. 24, 1930.

E. Doten and Lawrence C. Jones were shot and killed as they traveled on the Canadian National train between Fort Frances, Ontario, and Warroad, Minnesota, while clearing passengers entering the United States.

“Today we memorialize these men who sacrificed their lives for this great nation,” said Port Director Jared Olafson. “The ultimate sacrifice made by these men exemplifies the highest core values of our agency — vigilance, service to country, and integrity.”

The ceremony was overseen by Area Port Director Jason Schmelz, of the Area Port of Pembina, North Dakota. “It is an honor to remember our fallen brethren and it is our honor to pay tribute to their memory,” Schmelz said.

Grandchildren and family members were able to make the trip to the Warroad Port of Entry from throughout the nation to take part in the dedication and unveiling of memorial plaques honoring these great men. These plaques will be showcased at the Warroad and Ranier, Minnesota, ports of entry.

Memorial table
Laurence E. Doten and Lawrence C.
Jones were shot and killed Aug. 24,
1930 as they traveled on the Canadian
National train between Fort Frances,
Ontario, and Warroad, Minnesota,
while clearing passengers entering
the United States.

The memorial plaques read as follows:

In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 24, 1930, U.S. Immigration Inspectors, Laurence E. Doten and Lawrence C. Jones, were brutally murdered, while in performance of their duties in Emo, Ontario, Canada.

Inspector Doten (age 34) of Rainer, MN, and Inspector Jones (age 37) of Warroad, MN, were aboard the westbound Canadian National Railway, Train #19, when they were gunned down, each leaving behind spouses and children.

Inspectors Doten and Jones served their Country honorably, during WWI and eventually made the ultimate sacrifice, while once again, serving their Country as Immigration Inspectors.

“In valor there is hope.” — Tacitus

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021