Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

About the Mission

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country. As part of a workforce of over 60,000, Border Patrol Agents strive to safeguard the American people by deterring illicit activity and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a team defined by camaraderie, pride, and a shared purpose, working alongside highly trained professionals to protect your community and the nation.

About the Role

This is a full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position designed for individuals with prior military police or state/local law enforcement experience. Your prior experience may qualify you for higher-graded opportunities (GL-9 or GS-11), allowing you to hit the ground running as a valued member of the federal law enforcement profession.

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will be the first line of defense at the border. Your day-to-day involves detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, inspecting documents, and interpreting tracks or physical evidence of illegal entry. You will patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of assets, including vehicles, horses, vessels, and off-road equipment. The role requires maintaining surveillance from covert positions, apprehending smugglers, and performing checks on farms, buildings, and traffic. Success in this role demands sound judgment, the ability to make rapid decisions, and the capacity to interact with the public courteously while enforcing the law.

Hiring and Interview Process

The application process begins by clicking the "Apply" button on this site, which links you to the CBP Talent Network registration page. You will select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete pre-screening questions. Following this, you will receive links to the official Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to finalize your application, including the submission of resumes and supporting documents.

Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. Selected candidates will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive training covering immigration laws, firearms, physical techniques, and Spanish language proficiency.

Duty Assignments: Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include prioritized locations along the Southwest Border. Relocation may be required, and assignments may not align with a candidate's first-choice preference. You will be asked to select a preferred location from a list of mission-critical sectors, including Big Bend, Buffalo, Del Rio, El Paso, El Centro, Grand Forks, Havre, Houlton, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, San Diego, Spokane, Swanton, Tucson, and Yuma.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and the nation we protect.