Duties Of A Border Patrol Agent
The United States Border Patrol is the mobile, uniformed law enforcement arm of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are responsible for administering the immigration and nationality laws of the United States. Although the Border Patrol has changed dramatically since its inception over 75 years ago, its overall mission remains unchanged: to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens into the United States.
An example of one of the most important activities of a Border Patrol Agent is linewatch. This involves the detection, prevention, and apprehension of undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land border by maintaining surveillance from a covert position, following up leads, responding to electronic sensor alarms, using infrared scopes during night operations, operating low-light level television systems, responding to aircraft sightings, and interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence. Some of the other major responsibilities are farm and ranch check, traffic check, traffic observation, city patrol, and transportation check. Duties may be administrative, intelligence related, or anti-smuggling activities.
The Border Patrol Agent’s job involves physical exertion under harsh environmental conditions, often requiring exposure to extreme weather for extended periods of time. In recent years, these agents have apprehended a million or more illegal aliens per year. As an agent, keep in mind that a professional, diplomatic demeanor can only help improve relations with the people at our borders.
Border Patrol Agents make critical decisions that require excellent reasoning skills. Therefore, as an agent, you will have to study and read laws and regulations as well as legal commentary. It may be necessary for you to testify in court, and you must be able to understand and follow the reasoning used in legal proceedings.
