Ask a Border Patrol Agent anything

385 Questions

Last Answer on November 08, 2016

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

Asked by Ivan over 11 years ago

Well, becoming a K9 handler is pretty tough. If you start out in a normal station, you can expect to wait 4-6 years minimum to get one. If you're at a smaller station and no one else wants to be a K9 handler you may pick one up sooner. You do have to attend some classes, and a selection process. You do not purchase your own dog - it would be issued if you're selected to become a K9 handler. It's a good, very time consuming gig --- but don't expect it right out of the academy. Being a K9 handler is a rather coveted position so it's more often than not given to senior agents.

760 Votes

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Asked by Joe over 11 years ago

You are not required to have a college degree to join the BP. However, if you do, and achieve a 3.0 or better GPA you will qualify to join at a higher pay grade. If I were you, I'd finish the college degree. That's much more important for your future than just about anything else. It is, however, not required in order for you to join.

759 Votes

Hello Oscar, from your experience can a illegal alien be released to work under the radar for homeland security to help them gather info on safe houses and drug trafficking in the city hub, thank you in advance for your answer.

Asked by Tony over 11 years ago

That is something which is handled by ICE or DEA. The BP operates some Disrupt teams who work with local LEO's on special tasks like that. It is not under the jurisdiction or a normal BP office though and is handled at Sector level.

759 Votes

An immigration agent told me to hire an immigration lawyer to help me to take off my record that voluntary deportation and to help me to get a work visa so I can come back to the us legally, can I really do that?

Asked by angel1980 over 11 years ago

Not if you've been deported. If you have a voluntary return, perhaps. I haven't seen it done, but I never worked with the immigration lawyers.

757 Votes

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Since the Border Patrol, like other leo agencies, have a very demanding and tough job, what things would you do while on and off duty to keep your morale high?

Asked by Chris over 11 years ago

There was not much to do on duty to keep your morale high. Off-duty, always just get as far away from work as possible. I moved 40 miles from my station so that on my days off I wasn't seeing anything work-related (short of illegal immigrants all over Phoenix, AZ). The key is to remember it's nothing more than a job. Do your job, come home and carry on with the rest of your life.

757 Votes

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

Asked by Girlfriend over 11 years ago

Well, the BORTAC guys work even more, and are subject to callouts, as they are essentially on-call. Any relationship is doable, but a relationship which is weak to start out with, will not survive a LEO career of any sort. Also, if your loved one is in that line of work you should choose your fights carefully. Sometimes a LEO will encounter a bunch of serious messed up stuff (dead children, bodies, abuse, etc.) on duty and then come home only for his/her spouse to get angry over something stupid --- this will ignite a fight, etc. So, yes it's pretty darn tough. But, not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

755 Votes

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

Asked by Smiley over 11 years ago

We had a lot of guys with tattoos in the BP. Not many guys with full sleeves though. I suppose this wouldn't be a big deal unless the tattoos were of a graphic nature etc. Even then you could theoretically wear the long sleeve duty uniform shirt. I'm not sure, but I do not believe it is a huge deal. It's nowhere near as strict as the military standards for tattoos etc.

752 Votes

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Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Hello Oscar, from your experience can a illegal alien be released to work under the radar for homeland security to help them gather info on safe houses and drug trafficking in the city hub, thank you in advance for your answer.

An immigration agent told me to hire an immigration lawyer to help me to take off my record that voluntary deportation and to help me to get a work visa so I can come back to the us legally, can I really do that?

Also on Jobstr...

Since the Border Patrol, like other leo agencies, have a very demanding and tough job, what things would you do while on and off duty to keep your morale high?

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Hello Oscar, from your experience can a illegal alien be released to work under the radar for homeland security to help them gather info on safe houses and drug trafficking in the city hub, thank you in advance for your answer.

An immigration agent told me to hire an immigration lawyer to help me to take off my record that voluntary deportation and to help me to get a work visa so I can come back to the us legally, can I really do that?

Also on Jobstr...

Since the Border Patrol, like other leo agencies, have a very demanding and tough job, what things would you do while on and off duty to keep your morale high?

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

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