News Summary
The U.S. Border Patrol has reinstated its mounted patrol unit in San Diego after a two-year break, coinciding with a significant drop in migrant encounters. The unit, comprising 12 horses and 10 agents, will focus on areas that vehicles cannot access, enhancing border security operations. The decision reflects a shift in resources, as migrant apprehensions have decreased by 96% this year compared to the previous year. The mounted unit also carries historical significance, dating back to the agency’s origins, although concerns about oversight remain.
San Diego Resumes Mounted Border Patrol Amid Drop in Migrant Encounters
A small but revitalized group of U.S. Border Patrol agents has resumed operations on horseback in San Diego after a two-year hiatus. The return of the mounted patrol unit comes at a time when migrant apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border are at historic lows, allowing resources to be redirected back to this traditional form of patrol.
As of March 2023, the San Diego sector of Border Patrol unveiled the recommencement of mounted patrols through a social media announcement. This marked a significant development considering the sector had been overwhelmed by a sharp increase in migrant encounters in previous years, requiring agents to focus on managing those surges rather than the mounted unit.
Data for this year reveals a steep reduction in migrant encounters, with the San Diego sector recording a 96% decrease compared to the same period last year. Specifically, the sector reported only 895 encounters last month, highlighting the shifting dynamics at the border. The mounted unit, comprised of 12 horses and 10 agents—including seven riders, two instructors, and a supervisor—will enhance the Border Patrol’s ability to navigate the challenging terrains that vehicles cannot access.
Operational Details and Historical Context
The reactivated unit operates between various terrains, from the beach to the rugged regions of East County, California. Horses are especially valued for their ability to traverse sensitive environmental areas while remaining quieter than motorized vehicles, making them effective for certain types of patrols.
The San Diego mounted unit operates out of barns located in Imperial Beach and Boulevard, California. Its operational strategy includes focusing on busy areas along the border and adapting to the times and locations when migrant activity is highest. However, sightings of the mounted unit in action may be infrequent as the agents work to blend into their environment.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite the benefits of the mounted unit, some advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding accountability and oversight, particularly in light of past incidents. A controversial situation in Del Rio, Texas, in 2021, where agents on horseback confronted Haitian migrants, resulted in the suspension of the horse units in the area and prompted a commitment to implement corrective actions within Border Patrol operations.
Currently, the San Diego horse unit plays a role in migrant apprehensions and rescues, although specific statistics on their success rates have not been disclosed. Agents are required to undergo a four-week training program for riding horses, along with recommendations for additional practice to attain proficiency.
Historical Significance of Mounted Patrols
The use of horses within the Border Patrol is rooted in a tradition that dates back to the agency’s inception in 1924. Though their use decreased in the 1950s due to a shift toward vehicles, mounted patrols saw a revival in the San Diego sector in 1979. Today, San Diego is one of eight Border Patrol sectors in the U.S. that maintains operational mounted units, alongside others in Spokane and various regions along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In addition to the Border Patrol’s mounted unit, other law enforcement agencies in San Diego, such as the Sheriff’s Office, deploy volunteer mounted units for community patrols and public events, further reinforcing the role of horseback patrols in local law enforcement practices.
As the Border Patrol embarks on this renewed chapter with the mounted unit, it remains focused on adjusting to the current landscape of immigration and border security, striving to balance traditional methods with the needs of contemporary operations.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Border Patrol Horses Return to San Diego
- Wikipedia: U.S. Border Patrol
- Fox 5 San Diego: Horse and Jockey Fall in Race at Del Mar
- Google Search: Mounted Patrol Border Patrol
- KTSA: DPS Launches Border Mounted Patrol Unit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Police
- Border Report: Border Patrol Agents on Horseback
- Google News: California Border Patrol Mounted Unit
