Duties and Careers in the Border Patrol

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Photo credit - CBP https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-ramps-patrols-otay-mountain-wilderness
The Mission of Border Patrol Agents
Border Patrol Agents are the guardians of the nation's borders, dedicated to securing the United States' international land and coastal boundaries. Their round-the-clock vigilance protects against threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. These agents embody the core values of integrity, vigilance, and service, crucial to the mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Core ResponsibilitiesIn their day-to-day roles, Border Patrol Agents undertake a variety of critical tasks:
  • Border Surveillance: Agents monitor the extensive Mexican and Canadian land borders and coastal waters, staying alert for any illegal activities.
  • Alarm Response: They are trained to swiftly respond to electronic sensor alarms, often in remote and challenging terrains.
  • Tracking and Evidence Analysis: Expertise in interpreting physical evidence is key in tracking undocumented individuals and smugglers.
  • Technology Utilization: Agents use advanced technology, like infrared scopes, to enhance their operational effectiveness, especially at night.
  • Diverse Law Enforcement Duties: Their responsibilities include line-watch, traffic checkpoints, city patrols, transportation checks, among others.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in Spanish is essential for effective communication during operations.
Specialized Units and Career Opportunities
Border Patrol Agents have access to a range of specialized units and career advancement paths (see the U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices):
  • Agent Support
    • Chaplaincy: The Chaplaincy Program supports the mental and spiritual health of agents, contributing to their overall well-being.
    • Honor Guard: This unit honors fallen law enforcement personnel through memorial services and final honors.
    • Peer Support Program: PSP offers confidential support to Border Patrol employees and their families during times of need.
  • Special Operations
    • BORTAC: This tactical unit responds rapidly to national security threats requiring specialized tactics and procedures.
    • BORSTAR: Focused on search, rescue, and emergency medical operations, this unit exemplifies the humanitarian aspect of the Border Patrol's mission.
    • MRT: The Mobile Response Team provides a flexible response capability to emerging and evolving threats along the nation's borders.
  • Horse Patrol: Agents patrol challenging terrains on horseback, particularly in environmentally sensitive or inaccessible areas.
  • Bike Patrol: This unit uses the tactical advantages of bicycles for stealth, mobility, and agility in various terrains.
  • K-9 Unit: Canines are used for detecting hidden humans and narcotics, and in search and rescue operations.
  • Maritime Patrol: Agents operate patrol boats to secure the varied water boundaries of the United States.
  • Off-Road Vehicle Unit: Specialized vehicles are used to navigate terrains not accessible by standard vehicles.
  • National Pistol Team: Showcasing exceptional firearms skills, this team represents the high level of training in the Border Patrol.
  • Training Programs: Agents receive top-tier training in firearms and less-lethal tactics, ensuring preparedness for various operational scenarios.
  • Emergency Medical Program: EMTs and paramedics in this program provide emergency medical response and training.
Border Patrol Recruitment Videos
Join an elite team of men and women committed to making an impact for our country. Border Patrol is hiring.
There's freedom in a place where everyday is different.  Here, there is no script to follow, just your gut.  Here, you combine your strengths and work together to protect something bigger than yourself. This is no ordinary job.  This is the border.  Are you ready to apply?
More Border Patrol Videos
U.S. Border Patrol Agents are focused 24/7 on securing our international land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. They safeguard the American people from terrorists and their weapons and detect and prevent drug smugglers and the illegal entry of undocumented noncitizens.

​Join our mission and write your own history!
A career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent provides unique experiences that will be hard to find in any other job. In this video, actual agents in the field provide insight into the skills needed to be successful in the role, the tools they use, what drives U.S. Border Patrol Agents, and more.
The US-Mexican border is the most heavily used corridor for human trafficking and drug running in the United States. From the harsh conditions, to chasing down smugglers, being a border patrol agent is one of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement.
A 2009 documentary style video showcasing what a U.S. Border Patrol Recruit can expect from the classroom to the frontline.
The Tucson Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for covering almost the entire U.S./Mexico border, 262 miles stretching from the Yuma County line to the New Mexico state line.
CBC's Paul Hunter travels to Nogales, Arizona to spend a day with a border agent patrolling the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
The United States Border Patrol is a multi-tasked federal law enforcement agency that has been securing the border since 1924. The mission of the United States Border Patrol is to preventing terrorist and terrorist weapons from entering the United States and at the same time preventing the illegal entry of aliens into this country; and we do this by enforcing the Immigration Laws of this nation. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is responsible for securing 171 miles of river border and keeping our communities safe through the deployment of personnel, technology and infrastructure.
Tres hermanas intentaron cruzar las peligrosas montañas de San Diego, California.
A 2019 news report from KTSM-TV is a television station in El Paso, Texas.
Additional Resources and Links

Duties and Careers in the Border Patrol