Ready to join the CBP Talent Network? Sign up to receive information about the application process and more. SIGN UP NOW

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, drug smugglers, and illegal entry of undocumented aliens. They truly exemplify U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s core values of integrity, vigilance, and service to country.

Typical assignments include:

Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented aliens, smugglers of aliens, and illegal narcotics by maintaining surveillance from covert positions at or near the 6,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders and over 2,000 miles of coastal borders;

Responding to electronic sensor alarms in remote areas;

Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal aliens and smugglers;

Using cutting edge technology, such as infrared scopes during nighttime operations;

Performing line-watch duties, traffic checkpoint operations, city patrols, transportation checks, and other law enforcement duties, as assigned; and

Communicating and/or giving verbal commands in Spanish to Spanish-speaking illegal aliens and smugglers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities for Border Patrol Agents

Being a Border Patrol Agent opens up many opportunities as your career advances. In your career, you may have the opportunity to participate in the following: