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 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 looking for a change of scenery. Whether your background is in military police units or state and local law enforcement, you will work alongside highly trained professionals to detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Your day-to-day mission involves maintaining surveillance, interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry, and patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets, including vehicles, vessels, horses, and off-road equipment.

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will be a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer profession, making arrests, exercising sound judgment, and dealing effectively with the public. The role is a career ladder position with progression opportunities from GL-9 to GS-11 and beyond. Upon hiring, you will 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 language proficiency.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

CBP is hiring immediately for these career opportunities. 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, 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 job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions regarding resume and transcript submissions. If you have questions about the process, you may contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol careers page.

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 and Culture

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, applicants will receive monthly updates on webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with the agency.