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 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 make an immediate impact with the agency.

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will be a valuable member of the federal law enforcement profession. Your day-to-day mission involves detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, inspecting documents, and preventing the entry of aliens and smugglers. You will maintain surveillance from covert positions, interpret tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and perform various checks including farm, building, and traffic patrols. The role requires patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using a diverse array of government assets, from vehicles and horses to vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles.

Hiring Process and Application

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is hiring immediately for these career positions. 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 a link to the Border Patrol Agent Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to finalize your application.

Your application will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. If you have questions regarding the process, you may 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.

Training and Development

Upon hiring, all agents are detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction. Training covers immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement tactics, USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms proficiency. Agents will also receive training to become proficient in the Spanish language, as the ability to speak and read Spanish is a requirement of the role.

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 or may not align with a candidate's first-choice preferences, and relocation may be required. Candidates 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 Employer

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, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. Veterans' Preference may apply to eligible candidates, and specific age restrictions may be waived for those with prior federal civilian law enforcement service or Veterans' Preference eligibility.