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	21,370 (Congress Mandated)
Agency executives	Jason Owens, Chief Matthew Hudak, Deputy Chief
Parent agency	U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The United States Border Patrol (USBP) is a special police force in the United States. It works under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its main job is to keep the borders of the United States safe. In 2022, its goal was to "Protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity."

With nearly 20,000 agents in 2019, the Border Patrol is one of the biggest law enforcement groups in the U.S. It has a large budget to help it do its important work.

History of the Border Patrol

In the 1800s, people could enter the United States freely. There were no strict rules or records for immigrants. The first law to limit immigration was the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.

Early Border Patrol Efforts

Around 1904, some guards from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor started patrolling the border. They rode horses and tried to stop people from crossing illegally. These "mounted guards" were based in El Paso, Texas. They were a small group, never more than 75 people. They patrolled as far as California to stop illegal Chinese immigration.

In 1915, Congress allowed a new group of "mounted inspectors." Most rode horses, but some used cars, motorcycles, and boats. They mainly tried to stop Chinese people from entering against the law. These inspectors were also busy at official inspection stations. So, they could not watch the border all the time. U.S. Army soldiers sometimes helped patrol the border. State police like the Texas Rangers also helped sometimes.

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

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

The current badge after the agency became a part of Homeland Security (2003–)

During the 1940 Border Patrol expansion, four newly hired agents from the northeastern states drove this new pursuit vehicle from the Ford factory in Detroit to El Paso where they received training

A Border Patrol agent practice firing a Thompson submachine gun near El Paso in 1940

Forming the Border Patrol

The U.S. Border Patrol was officially created on May 26, 1924. It became part of the United States Department of Labor. Its job was to stop illegal entries. This was mainly along the Mexico–United States border and the Canada–United States border. The first Border Patrol office opened in Detroit, Michigan, in June 1924. Another opened in El Paso, Texas, in July 1924.

In 1933, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was formed. The Border Patrol became part of it. When World War II started in Europe, the Border Patrol grew. Its staff doubled to 1,500 agents by 1940. The INS then moved to the United States Department of Justice.

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Border Patrol's role changed. It became part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. A new main goal was added: stopping terrorists and their weapons from entering the U.S. The Border Patrol also kept its original job. This was to find and stop people trying to enter the U.S. illegally between official crossing points.

Today, most Border Patrol agents work along the Mexico–United States border. They control illegal immigration there. Many agents are from minority groups. In 2016, more than half of Border Patrol agents were Latino.

In 2021, the Border Patrol started using body cameras for its agents. This happened after public discussions about how agents interact with people.

How the Border Patrol Works

The Border Patrol's methods have changed over time.

Stopping Illegal Entry

Border Patrol Agents with a Hummer and Astar patrol for illegal entry into the United States

In 1986, a law called the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 focused on stopping illegal immigration. It aimed to stop businesses from hiring people who were in the country illegally. The idea was that jobs attracted people to the U.S. The Border Patrol increased checks on businesses.

Border Checkpoints

The Border Patrol also uses special inspection stations. These are called United States Border Patrol Interior Checkpoints. They are usually within 100 miles of the U.S. borders with Mexico or Canada. They also exist near U.S. coastlines.

"Hold the Line" and "Gatekeeper"

In El Paso, Texas, a program called "Operation Hold the Line" started. Agents were placed directly on the border. This helped them find or stop people trying to cross right away. This made it harder to cross illegally in city areas. People then tried to cross in more open desert areas.

Patrolling the beach in San Diego County, California

In San Diego, "Operation Gatekeeper" began. This involved building more border fences. They also added stadium lights, ground sensors, and special cameras. Eventually, a strong triple fence was built. It goes from the Pacific Ocean far inland.

Northern Border Patrol

An agent armed with an M14 rifle tracking someone in harsh winter conditions on the northern border.

The Border Patrol also works along the Canada–United States border. The number of agents there has grown a lot. They use new technology and air and water vehicles to help.

New Strategies

Cameras add "Smart Border" surveillance.

In 2005, the Border Patrol updated its national plan. The main goal was to have full control of the U.S. borders. This plan has five key goals:

• Catch terrorists and their weapons entering the U.S. illegally.
• Stop illegal entries by having stronger enforcement.
• Find and stop smugglers.
• Use "smart border" technology.
• Make border communities safer and better places to live.

What Border Patrol Agents Do

MQ-9 Predator B UAS operated by United States Customs and Border Protection

Border Patrol all-terrain vehicles

The U.S. border goes through deserts, canyons, mountains, and rivers. Border Patrol agents use many tools to do their job. They use electronic sensors to find people or vehicles crossing illegally. Video cameras and night vision help them see in the dark. Agents patrol by vehicle, boat, aircraft, and on foot. In some places, they use horses, motorcycles, bicycles, and snowmobiles. Drones also help them watch from the air.

The main job of an agent is "line watch." This means finding, stopping, and catching terrorists, illegal aliens, and smugglers. They do this by watching from hidden spots. They also follow clues, respond to sensor alerts, and track footprints.

Agents also do "traffic checks" on highways away from the border. This helps them catch people who got past the border. "Transportation checks" involve checking buses, planes, trains, and boats that are heading inland.

"Marine patrols" happen on waterways. This includes coasts and rivers shared with Canada. The Border Patrol has over 130 boats of different sizes.

Horse and bike patrols help in areas vehicles cannot reach. Horse units patrol remote areas. Bike patrols help in cities and on rough ground. Snowmobiles are used in snowy areas along the northern border.

Growth of the Border Patrol

U.S. Border Patrol Agents at the Greyhound bus station in Detroit, Michigan, in February 2011. Immigration checks on trains, buses, and highways within 100 miles of the northern border have become more common.

In 1992, there were about 4,139 Border Patrol agents. In 2004, a law allowed the hiring of 10,000 more agents. This almost doubled the size of the Border Patrol. By 2010, there were 20,000 agents.

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 called for more border fencing. This plan faced some challenges. Environmental groups worried about wildlife. Landowners were concerned about losing their property.

Specialized Programs

BORSTAR canine team conducting rappeling training

In 2007, the Border Patrol created a special operations group (SOG). This group helps coordinate special units. The Border Patrol has many other special teams:

• Marine Patrol: Uses boats to patrol rivers and coastal areas.
• K9 Units: Use trained dogs to help find people or illegal items.
• Mounted Patrols: Agents on horseback patrol hard-to-reach areas.
• Sign-cutting: Agents are trained to track people by finding clues on the ground.
• Snowmobile Units: Used in cold, snowy areas, especially on the northern border.
• Intelligence Units: Gather information to help stop illegal activities.
• Anti-Smuggling Units: Focus on stopping people who smuggle others across the border.
• Honor Guards: Special teams that represent the Border Patrol at ceremonies.
• Pipes and Drums: A musical group that performs at official events.
• Chaplains: Offer support to agents and their families.
• Peer Support: Agents help other agents who are going through tough times.
• Mobile Surveillance Units: Use cameras and sensors on vehicles to watch the border.

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

Helping People in Danger

This rescue beacon states in English and Spanish: "Attention: You cannot walk to safety from this point! You are in danger of dying if you not summon help! If you need help, push red button, U.S. Border Patrol will arrive in one hour, do not leave this location"

Sometimes, people trying to cross the border get lost or hurt in dangerous areas. The Border Patrol tries to help them. In 1998, the Border Patrol started the Border Safety Initiative. Agents often give water, food, and medical help to people in need.

That same year, a special unit called Border Patrol, Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) was created. This team is trained in search and rescue. They help injured or lost people in remote places.

Since 2002, "rescue beacons" have been placed in dangerous desert areas. These are solar-powered and easy to see. If someone needs help, they push a button. This sends a signal to agents, who then send a helicopter or ground team. These beacons have saved many lives.

In 2020, Border Patrol agents and Air and Marine Operations agents saved over 5,000 people. They did about 1,400 search and rescue missions.

Border Patrol Locations

A map of Border Patrol sectors

Holding room at Fort Brown Station, Brownsville, Texas

Border Patrol in Montana

The Border Patrol divides the U.S. border into 20 areas called "sectors." Each sector has a chief patrol agent in charge.

Training to Become an Agent

All Border Patrol agents go through at least 26 weeks of training. This happens at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Here, they learn many things:

• Spanish language skills.
• Laws related to crime and immigration.
• Police skills, self-defense, and how to make arrests.
• How to use firearms like pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
• How to drive police vehicles safely.
• Other important federal law enforcement topics.

After the academy, new agents get more training on the job. This "Field Training" lasts for several weeks. It helps them learn how to do their work in real situations.

Agent Appearance

Uniforms

Around 2007, Border Patrol agents wore different types of uniforms:

A color guard composed of CBP officers and USBP agents at a Washington, D.C. ceremony in May 2007

• Dress Uniforms: These are worn for formal events. They include olive-green shirts and pants, a badge, and a special hat. There are different versions for summer and winter.
• Ceremonial Dress Uniform: Worn by honor guard agents, it's similar to the winter dress uniform but includes a special jacket and white gloves.
• Rough Duty Uniform: This is what agents wear for everyday work. It includes green work shirts, cargo pants, and black work boots. They usually wear a green baseball cap or cowboy hat. There are also special rough duty uniforms for marine patrol, cold weather, horse patrol, and bike patrol.
• Highland Uniform: Worn by the Border Patrol Pipes and Drums band. It includes a kilt with the official Border Patrol pattern.

Border Patrol agents wear two patches on their uniforms:

• The CBP patch is on the right sleeve. It has the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) symbol.
• The original circular Border Patrol patch is on the left sleeve.

The Border Patrol uniform has changed over time. It now looks more like military clothing and less like a traditional police uniform.

Ranks

The Border Patrol has different ranks for its agents. These ranks show an agent's level of responsibility and experience within the agency.

Awards

The Border Patrol gives out special awards to agents for their bravery and good work.

Newton-Azrak Award for Heroism

The highest award an agent can receive is the Newton-Azrak Award for Heroism. This award is given for acts of great courage or bravery while on duty. It is also given for heroic acts during emergencies.

This award is named after two Border Patrol inspectors, Theodore Newton and George Azrak. They were killed while on duty in 1967.

Special Badges and Devices

	Tactical unit (BORTAC)	Search and rescue unit (BORSTAR)	Honor guard	Pipes and drums cap badge	K-9 handler	Chaplain	Field training officer	Peer support

Agents in special units wear unique badges or devices on their uniforms. These show their special training or role. For example, agents in the tactical unit (BORTAC) or search and rescue unit (BORSTAR) have their own badges. K-9 handlers, chaplains, and honor guard members also have special symbols.

Equipment Used by Agents

Weapons

A Border Patrol Honor Guard Agent carrying an M14 rifle.

Border Patrol agents carry pistols as their main sidearm. Currently, they use Glock 47 or Glock 19M pistols. These pistols hold many rounds of ammunition. Before 1995, agents used .357 Magnum revolvers. These were chosen because they worked well in tough conditions.

Patrolling a tunnel in Nogales, Arizona

Agents also use shotguns, like the Remington Model 870. This shotgun is modified for Border Patrol use. They also carry rifles, such as the Colt M4 Carbine. For less-than-lethal options, agents use the FN 303 launcher, which fires pepper dust pellets. They also carry pepper spray, tasers, and a collapsible police baton.

Transportation

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

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

Helicopter and boats

A USBP horse patrol in southern Texas

The Border Patrol uses over 10,000 SUVs and pickup trucks. These vehicles are good for driving in different types of terrain. They have special lights, sirens, and sometimes off-road tires. Many vehicles have wireless radios to talk to a central control room. Some areas also use sedans for highway patrols.

The Border Patrol also uses ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and small boats. Since 2005, all Border Patrol aircraft and many boat operations are managed by CBP's Office of Air and Marine.

Border Patrol vehicles are usually white with a green stripe. In the past, they were light green.

Horses are also used a lot for patrols in remote areas. In 2005, the Border Patrol had 205 horses. Most work along the Mexico–United States border.

Agents Killed in the Line of Duty

Since 1904, 149 Border Patrol inspectors, officers, or agents have died while on duty. This is a higher number than for any other federal law enforcement agency during that time.

Challenges and Criticisms

Like any large organization, the Border Patrol faces challenges and receives criticism.

Incidents Involving Force

Sometimes, incidents involving the use of tear gas or pepper spray happen. For example, in 2013 and 2018, agents used these tools when people tried to cross the border illegally and threw objects at them.

Corruption Concerns

There have been cases where Border Patrol officers were accused of corruption. This includes situations where agents might have helped undocumented immigrants enter the country. While these cases are a small number compared to all agents, they are taken seriously.

Agent Morale

Sometimes, agents have reported low morale. This can happen when they feel overwhelmed by their duties. In 2019, some agents felt that "people actively hate us." This shows the stress and difficulty of their job.

National Border Patrol Council

The National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) is a labor union. It represents over 17,000 Border Patrol agents and support staff. The NBPC helps protect the rights and interests of its members. It was founded in 1965.

Border Patrol Foundation

The Border Patrol Foundation was started in 2009. Its goal is to help the families of agents who have died while on duty. The foundation provides money, support, and scholarships for children of fallen agents. It also helps people understand the dangers agents face.

Chiefs of the Border Patrol

The Border Patrol has had many leaders throughout its history. The current Chief of the Border Patrol is Jason Owens. He started his role in 2023.

Images for kids

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

• 

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

• 

  The current badge after the agency became a part of Homeland Security (2003–)

• 

  During the 1940 Border Patrol expansion, four newly hired agents from the northeastern states drove this new pursuit vehicle from the Ford factory in Detroit to El Paso where they received training

• 

  A Border Patrol agent practice firing a Thompson submachine gun near El Paso in 1940

• 

  Border Patrol Agents with a Hummer and Astar patrol for illegal entry into the United States

• 

  Patrolling the beach in San Diego County, California

• 

  An agent armed with an M14 rifle tracking someone in harsh winter conditions on the northern border.

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  Border crossing to Canada at Beebe Plain, Vermont

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  Cameras add "Smart Border" surveillance.

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  MQ-9 Predator B UAS operated by United States Customs and Border Protection

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  Border Patrol all-terrain vehicles

• 

  U.S. Border Patrol Agents at the Greyhound bus station in Detroit, Michigan, in February 2011. Immigration checks on trains, buses, and highways within 100 miles of the northern border have become more common.

• 

  BORSTAR canine team conducting rappeling training

• 

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

• 

  This rescue beacon states in English and Spanish: "Attention: You cannot walk to safety from this point! You are in danger of dying if you do not summon help! If you need help, push red button, U.S. Border Patrol will arrive in one hour, do not leave this location"

• 

  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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  A color guard composed of CBP officers and USBP agents at a Washington, D.C. ceremony in May 2007

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  Shoulder ornaments

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  Newton-Azrak Award for Heroism Medal

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  Chiefs Commendation Medal

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  Purple Cross Wound Medal

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  75th Anniversary Commemorative Medal

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  Current heroism award ribbon

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  Awarded from 2002–2004 ribbon

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  Current wound award ribbon

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  No longer worn ribbon

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  BORTAC Qualification Badge

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  BORSTAR Badge

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  Honor Guard Device

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  Pipes and Drums cap badge

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  K-9 handler badge

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  Badge of a United States Border Patrol chaplain

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  Field Training Officer badge

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  Peer Support badge

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  A Border Patrol Honor Guard Agent carrying an M14 rifle.

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  Patrolling a tunnel in Nogales, Arizona

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

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

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  Helicopter and boats

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  A USBP horse patrol in southern Texas

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  David V. Aguilar

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  Michael J. Fisher

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  Ronald Vitiello

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  Mark Morgan

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  Carla Provost

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  Rodney Scott

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  Raúl Ortiz

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  Jason Owens