President Trump honors the 101st anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol with an official proclamation, marking May 28 as a day of recognition for an agency that was completely ignored by the previous administration during its centennial milestone.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump established May 28 as U.S. Border Patrol Day, commemorating the agency’s 101st anniversary and honoring agents’ service to the nation.
- The proclamation highlights a dramatic 99.99% decline in migrants caught and released, along with a 95% reduction in border encounters during Trump’s first 100 days back in office.
- Trump criticized the Biden administration for failing to acknowledge the Border Patrol’s 100th anniversary in 2024, while also allowing unprecedented numbers of unvetted migrants into the country.
- The document pays tribute to Border Patrol agents who have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives while protecting America’s borders.
A Century of Border Security Service Recognized
President Donald Trump has officially designated May 28 as U.S. Border Patrol Day through a presidential proclamation that honors the 101-year history of the agency. Established on May 28, 1924, through the Labor Appropriation Act, the U.S. Border Patrol has been a cornerstone of American national security for over a century. The proclamation serves as a formal recognition of the critical role that Border Patrol agents play in safeguarding our nation’s boundaries and enforcing immigration laws that protect American citizens and legal residents.
The timing of Trump’s proclamation is particularly significant as it comes after what many conservatives viewed as a deliberate snub by the previous administration. In his statement, President Trump pointedly noted that the Biden administration failed to acknowledge the Border Patrol’s centennial anniversary last year, despite the milestone’s historical importance. This oversight was especially glaring given the unprecedented challenges Border Patrol agents faced during those four years, dealing with record-breaking waves of illegal immigration while receiving minimal support from Washington.
Dramatic Border Security Improvements Under Trump
President Trump’s proclamation doesn’t just celebrate history—it highlights concrete results. According to the document, the administration has achieved a staggering 99.99% decline in migrants caught and released into the U.S. interior during Trump’s first 100 days back in office. Additionally, border encounters have reportedly decreased by 95% compared to the final months of the Biden era. These statistics reflect the immediate impact of Trump’s renewed border security policies, which have prioritized enforcement and deterrence over the catch-and-release practices that dominated the previous four years.
The proclamation takes direct aim at the Biden administration’s border policies, which Trump characterizes as having allowed “millions of unvetted illegal aliens, including criminals” to enter the country unlawfully. This criticism reflects a core conservative concern that relaxed border enforcement not only undermines immigration law but potentially endangers American communities. By contrast, Trump’s border security approach has emphasized vetting, enforcement, and cooperation with international partners to reduce the flow of illegal migration before it reaches U.S. soil.
Honoring Those Who Serve and Sacrifice
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the presidential proclamation is its tribute to the Border Patrol agents who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Throughout its 101-year history, the agency has lost numerous dedicated officers who died protecting America’s borders. The document specifically honors these fallen agents, recognizing that border security work involves significant personal risk. This acknowledgment comes at a time when Border Patrol morale had reportedly suffered during years of policies that many agents felt undermined their mission and authority.
Beyond the political dimensions, the proclamation serves as a reminder of the day-to-day work performed by Border Patrol agents across diverse and challenging environments. From desert patrols in Arizona and Texas to maritime operations along coastal borders, these law enforcement professionals face extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and potentially dangerous encounters. The designation of a national day of recognition acknowledges not just the agency’s history, but the ongoing dedication of the men and women who continue this vital national security mission in the face of evolving challenges.
