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The original purpose of early border patrol units primarily focused on regulating immigration, particularly in response to specific demographic concerns tied to national security and economic stability. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was significant apprehension regarding immigration from Asia, particularly China, due to concerns about labor competition and national identity. This led to the formulation of laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which specifically barred Chinese laborers from entering the United States.

Border patrol units were established to enforce such immigration policies and to control the flow of individuals entering the country. Their role was not only to implement legal restrictions but also to stop the illegal immigration of individuals who were considered undesirable at the time, including Chinese migrants.

Over the years, as societal needs and geopolitical conditions evolved, the focus of border patrol activities expanded and included other forms of enforcement, such as tackling smuggling and broader immigration issues. However, the initial mandate concerning the control of Chinese immigration highlights the specific historical context that shaped the early operations of border patrol units.