Information on Border Patrol Jobs

A border patrol agent, according to the Customs and Border Protection Division, is a law enforcement individual who is responsible for patrolling the 6,000 miles of Mexico-Canada border with the U.S., along with 2,000 miles of Florida coast.

Border Patrol Jobs

A border patrol agent is one who is trained to prevent undocumented aliens from illegally entering the country, prevent terrorists entry, or arrest those in violation of the laws.

Qualifications

To become a border patrol agent, you must be a U.S. citizen and resident, under 40, fluent in Spanish, with a driver's license, and pass a background investigation. Prior arrests and convictions, debt issues, use of illegal drugs or excessive alcohol may prevent hiring.

Training

Training for Border Agents begins at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for 55 days of basic training. Subjects include immigration laws, marksmanship, Spanish and physical training.

Work Conditions

Border patrol agents must submit to random drug testing, be willing to work overtime in difficult conditions, and must be proficient in using firearms. The southwest border is where all agents start their careers.

Live Watch

Live watch is the main activity of a border patrol agent. This is covert surveillance along the border and includes electronic sensors, tracking, traffic checks, intelligence, and following leads and aircraft sightings.

How to Apply

When the border patrol is recruiting, applications are taken online at the CBP.gov website or the USAjobs website.

Resources

• To apply