Border Patrol Agent - Law Enforcement

About the Mission

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) 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 (BPA) 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 sense of purpose.

About the Role

This is a full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position designed for individuals who love protecting their community and are ready for a change of scenery. Whether your background is in military police or state and local law enforcement, you will work alongside highly trained professionals to perform critical duties. These include detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration laws, maintaining surveillance in covert positions, interpreting tracks and physical evidence, and patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of assets including vehicles, vessels, horses, and off-road equipment.

The role is a career ladder position with progression from GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12. Agents are eligible for promotion to the next higher grade level without re-applying once they successfully complete 52 weeks in the lower grade. Upon hiring, all agents undergo approximately six months of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, covering immigration laws, firearms, physical techniques, and Spanish language proficiency.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

To apply, click the "Apply" button on this site to be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions. You will then receive links to the specific Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to finalize your application.

Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. For questions regarding the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you will receive monthly updates on webinars, career expos, and future opportunities.

Duty Assignments and Relocation

Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include prioritized locations along the Southwest Border. These assignments may not align with a candidate's first-choice preferences, and relocation may be required. Agents are asked to select preferred locations 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

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.