Learning About Border Patrol
by Ruth Filz, Palm Gardens RV Park
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Monthly, ladies from Palm Gardens RV Park in Harlingen head out in the Valley, looking for new places to enjoy lunch, then venturing off to visit some of the wonderful attractions the Valley and the Island have to offer. In February, the group decided to stay in the Park and invite the gentlemen to join them for a catered lunch. After lunch, Agent Rudy Rodriquez from the Border Patrol Harlingen Station met with the group to provide background on the Border Patrol, to talk about what is happening in the Valley, and to answer attendees’ questions.
The Harlingen Station was established in 1925, with four officers assigned there. The Station was established in Harlingen due to its location in the heart of the farming area. Its area of responsibility encompasses 1,204 square miles and serves 37 miles of river area and 34 counties.
The Station is operated by the U.S. Border Patrol, a part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It plays a critical role in securing the U.S. – Mexico border. Its jurisdiction encompasses various terrains, including urban areas, agricultural lands, and wilderness. This presents challenges and demands on the agents, even with respect to the clothing they wear and how far they can travel with vehicles. They use a combination of manpower, technology, and infrastructure in their job. Agents utilize surveillance equipment, including cameras, drones, and sensors to monitor remote areas and to detect suspicious activities.
The primary mission of the Border Patrol Harlingen Station is to secure the border against illegal crossings and smuggling of contraband–including drugs–and human trafficking. Agents are tasked with detecting, deterring, and apprehending individuals who attempt to enter the country unlawfully. In the past year, they have seen immigrants coming from over 140 countries. The agents have special phones that help them deal with the various languages they encounter.
Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and community events, agents work to create positive relationships and address concerns within the community. One of these programs is the Border Patrol Explorer Program. It is a youth development program centered on career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, service learning, and character education. The main purpose is to educate and involve Rio Grande Valley’s youth in police operations and to interest them in a future career in law enforcement. One of the events the Border Patrol agents do for this program is sponsor career days, where they inform students about the importance of staying in school and obtaining a good education while highlighting the career opportunities of becoming a Border Patrol agent. They also inform students of the qualifications, educational background, training, Spanish-language proficiency, ethical principles, and determination necessary to become a United States Border Patrol agent. We were happy to present Agent Rodriguez with a donation from our Activities Club to help support this initiative.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated Agent Rodriguez’ presentation and felt they left the luncheon knowing more about the Border Patrol and the role they plan in the Valley. Although everyone enjoyed sharing lunch and the presentation with the gentlemen, I think the ladies will head out on their own for lunch in March.
