Border Patrol Agent - Law Enforcement

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 (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 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 units or state and local law enforcement, your prior experience may qualify you for higher-graded opportunities (GL-9 or GS-11).

As a BPA, you will work with highly trained professionals to detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, prevent and apprehend smugglers, and interpret physical evidence of illegal entry. Your day-to-day duties involve maintaining surveillance, patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using diverse assets (from vehicles to horses), and performing various checks to ensure border security. The role requires sound judgment, the ability to make rapid decisions, and proficiency in using complex technology and firearms.

Hiring and Interview Process

1. Application: Click the "Apply" button on this site to register with the CBP Talent Network. Select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions.
2. USAJOBS: You will receive a link to the official Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to finalize your application, including submitting resumes and transcripts.
3. Evaluation: Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.
4. Training: Upon hiring, you will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction covering immigration laws, law enforcement tactics, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms. Proficiency in Spanish is required; training is provided to achieve this.

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 your first-choice preferences, and relocation is often required. 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. We value the diverse skills and experiences that our agents bring to the mission of securing our nation's borders.