El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents Participate in Red Ribbon Week

El CENTRO, Calif. – On October 18, through October 29, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents are visiting schools within Imperial County for the 2021 Red Ribbon week.

Red Ribbon Week is a campaign that brings awareness to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention. The United States recognizes this campaign every October. The mission of Red Ribbon week is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.

It began as a tribute to fallen Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. According to the DEA, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.

Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector Communications Branch, K-9 and Horse Patrol departments participated in this 10-day event at our local schools. 

Agents are visiting 10 schools and engaging with approximately 1,000 students. These engagements will total to 25-hours of presentation time addressing the dangers of substance abuse. During these presentations, K-9 and Horse Patrol agents will provide a question-and-answer session with the children highlighting the daily duties and the different trainings the service animals go through.