United States Border Patrol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids United States Border Patrol
Right sleeve patch
Seal and left sleeve patch of the United States Border Patrol
USBP badge
USBP flag
Abbreviation	USBP
Motto	Honor First
Agency overview
Formed	May 28, 1924; 101 years ago (1924-05-28)
Jurisdictional structure
Federal agency (Operations jurisdiction)	United States
Operations jurisdiction	United States
Size	20,500 lineal miles (33,000 km)
Legal jurisdiction	INA 235 & INA 287. Title 8 USC, 18 USC, 19 USC & 21 USC
Governing body	Department of Homeland Security
General nature	Federal law enforcement
Specialist jurisdiction	National border patrol, security, and integrity.
Operational structure
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Agents	22,000 (Congress Mandated)
Agency executive	Michael W. Banks, Chief
Parent agency	U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The United States Border Patrol (USBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that is part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its main job is to secure the borders of the United States. The Border Patrol's mission is to protect the American people and keep the country's borders safe.

With almost 20,000 agents in 2019, the Border Patrol is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States. It is responsible for patrolling thousands of miles of land and water borders.

History of the Border Patrol

In 1940, new agents drove this car from the Ford factory in Detroit to El Paso for training.

A Border Patrol agent practices with a Thompson submachine gun near El Paso in 1940.

For a long time, the borders of the United States were mostly open. The first border guards were a small group of mounted watchmen who started patrolling in 1904. They were based in El Paso, Texas, and rode on horseback to patrol as far west as California.

The U.S. Border Patrol was officially created on May 28, 1924. At first, it was part of the Department of Labor. Its job was to prevent people from entering the country illegally, mostly along the borders with Mexico and Canada. The first Border Patrol station opened in Detroit, Michigan, in 1924.

During World War II, the Border Patrol became part of the Department of Justice. The number of agents grew to 1,500. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Border Patrol was moved to the newly created United States Department of Homeland Security. Its mission expanded to include stopping terrorists and their weapons from entering the country.

Today, most Border Patrol agents work along the southern border with Mexico. More than half of all Border Patrol agents are Hispanic American.

The badge when the agency was under the Dept. of Labor (1920–1940).

The badge when the agency was under the Dept. of Justice (1940–2003).

The current badge, used since the agency became part of Homeland Security (2003–).

How the Border Patrol Works

The Border Patrol's main goal is to have "operational control" of the U.S. borders. This means they work to stop illegal entries and smuggling.

Key Strategies

Border Patrol Agents use a Hummer and an Astar helicopter to patrol for illegal entries into the United States.

• Deterring Illegal Crossings: The agency tries to prevent people from crossing the border illegally in the first place. This is done through patrols and building fences in some areas.
• Using Technology: The Border Patrol uses "smart border" technology like cameras, electronic sensors, and night vision scopes to watch the border. This helps agents detect people or vehicles trying to cross illegally.
• Interior Checkpoints: The agency operates permanent checkpoints on highways, usually within 100 miles of the border. These are used to check for people or goods that may have crossed the border illegally.
• Patrolling Different Terrains: Agents patrol in many different ways. They use cars, boats, and aircraft. In areas that are hard to reach, they use horses, motorcycles, bicycles, and even snowmobiles.

Patrolling the Northern Border

An agent with an M14 rifle tracks someone in the snow on the northern border.

A border crossing to Canada in Beebe Plain, Vermont.

While much of the focus is on the southern border, the Border Patrol also patrols the Canada–United States border. The number of agents on the northern border has grown over the years. They use new technology and aircraft to help them patrol this long and often remote border.

What Agents Do

An MQ-9 Predator B drone operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Border Patrol agents use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to patrol rough areas.

A Border Patrol agent's main job is called "line watch." This means they watch the border to detect and stop illegal activity. They might hide to observe an area, follow up on tips, or respond to alerts from sensors.

Agents also perform:

• Traffic Checks: They inspect vehicles on highways leading away from the border.
• Transportation Checks: They inspect buses, trains, and planes to find people who may have entered the country illegally.
• Marine Patrols: They patrol coastal waterways and rivers that form a border with Canada or Mexico.
• Horse and Bike Patrols: These are used in remote areas where vehicles cannot go.

Helping People in Danger

This rescue beacon has a button to call for help. It says in English and Spanish that walking from this point is dangerous.

Crossing the border in remote deserts or mountains can be very dangerous. The Border Patrol often has to rescue people who are lost, injured, or suffering from the extreme heat or cold.

In 2002, the agency began installing "rescue beacons" in dangerous desert areas. These are tall, solar-powered towers with a red button. When someone pushes the button, it sends a signal, and a helicopter or ground unit is sent to help. In 2020 alone, Border Patrol agents saved more than 5,000 people.

Training and Appearance

How to Become an Agent

All new agents must complete 26 weeks of training at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. They learn about criminal law, immigration law, and police skills. They also receive training in Spanish, self-defense, and how to use firearms. After graduating from the academy, they get on-the-job training with an experienced officer.

Uniforms and Ranks

A color guard of CBP officers and USBP agents in Washington, D.C., in 2007.

Border Patrol agents wear several types of uniforms, including a dress uniform for formal events and a rough duty uniform for daily patrols. The main color of the uniform is olive green. Agents wear a circular Border Patrol patch on their left sleeve and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection patch on their right sleeve.

The agency has a rank structure similar to the military, with different insignia for each rank. The head of the agency is called the Chief of the Border Patrol.

Equipment Used by Agents

Weapons

A Border Patrol Honor Guard Agent carries an M14 rifle.

Border Patrol agents are issued a Glock pistol as their main sidearm. They also carry shotguns and rifles, like the M4 Carbine, for certain situations. For situations that do not require deadly force, agents use tools like pepper spray, tasers, and batons.

Vehicles

Former U.S. President George W. Bush rides in a Border Patrol sand rail in Yuma, Arizona, in 2006.

The Border Patrol uses over 10,000 vehicles, mostly SUVs and pickup trucks that can handle rough terrain. These vehicles are usually white with a green stripe. The agency also uses sedans for patrolling highways. In remote areas, agents use ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and horses.

Specialized Programs

A BORSTAR canine team practices rappelling.

The Border Patrol has several special units for different tasks:

• BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit): A special team that handles high-risk situations.
• BORSTAR (Border Patrol, Search, Trauma, and Rescue): A unit trained in search and rescue to help people who are stranded or injured.
• K-9 Units: Teams of agents and trained dogs that can sniff out hidden people or illegal goods.
• Mounted Patrols: Agents who ride horses to patrol rugged areas.

Challenges and Criticisms

The work of the Border Patrol is often difficult and debated. The agency has faced criticism from some groups about its methods and the treatment of people at the border. There have been concerns about the use of force and the conditions in which people are held.

The U.S. government has sometimes paid money to settle legal cases involving the Border Patrol. The agency states that it takes all complaints seriously and investigates them.

Images for kids

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  Cameras add "Smart Border" surveillance.

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  Patrolling the beach in San Diego County, California.

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  U.S. Border Patrol Agents at the Greyhound bus station in Detroit, Michigan, in February 2011.

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  Sign for U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group on Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas.

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  A map of Border Patrol sectors.

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  Holding room at Fort Brown Station, Brownsville, Texas.

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  Border Patrol in Montana.

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  An agent patrolling a tunnel in Nogales, Arizona.

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  Patrolling the Rio Grande in an airboat at Laredo, Texas, 2013.

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  A helicopter and boats used for patrols.

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  A USBP horse patrol in southern Texas.

See also

In Spanish: Patrulla Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos para niños