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 role offers a unique opportunity to join a team defined by camaraderie, pride, and a shared purpose, working alongside highly trained professionals in the Federal Security and Public Safety sector.

About the Role

This is a full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position designed for individuals who love protecting their community and are seeking 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 Border Patrol Agent, you will be a valuable member of the federal LEO profession. Your day-to-day mission involves detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and performing various checks including farm, building, and traffic patrols. You will patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a diverse array of government assets, from vehicles and horses to off-road vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. The role requires maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including night operations with infrared scopes, and making sound judgments in the use of firearms.

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 a link to the Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, to finalize your application.

Your application will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. Be sure to review all details of the opportunity announcement and submit all required items, such as resumes and transcripts. If you have questions about the process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page.

Duty Assignments and Relocation

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which 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. Agents will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction upon hiring.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you will receive monthly updates on webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.