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 strive to safeguard the American people by deterring illicit activity and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity.

This is a career opportunity to join a team defined by camaraderie, pride, and purpose. Whether you are transitioning from a military police unit or a state and local law enforcement organization, you will work alongside highly trained professionals dedicated to a critical mission.

About the Role

As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will be a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) responsible for detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Your day-to-day duties involve maintaining surveillance from covert positions, interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and performing various checks including farm, building, traffic, and city patrols.

You will patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways using a diverse array of government assets, including vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. The role requires making arrests, exercising sound judgment in the use of firearms, and analyzing information rapidly to make prompt decisions.

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 preferences. Agents are expected to select preferred locations from 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.

Training

Upon hiring, 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 operations, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms. Proficiency in Spanish is required, and agents will receive training to become proficient in the language at the Academy.

Hiring Process

1. Register: Click the Apply button to link to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions.
2. Apply: You will receive a link to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS. Complete your application, ensuring you submit all required details, including your resume and supporting documents.
3. Evaluate: 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.

Equal Opportunity

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. Veterans' Preference may apply, and specific age restrictions for this law enforcement position may be waived for eligible Veterans.