Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agent

Oscar

Charleston, SC

Male, 31

Spent a bit over four years (2006-2010) serving as a Border Patrol Agent in Tucson Sector, AZ: the busiest sector in the country. Worked numerous positions, and spent the last year and a half operating/instructing ground radar installations. Duties included: field patrols, transport, processing, control room duties, transportation check, checkpoint operations, static watch duties, etc.

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Last Answer on November 08, 2016

Best Rated

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.

Reasoning If, Then statement. How can you mastered this section on the test. What is the trick in here. What are your recommendations.

Asked by Joe over 11 years ago

You can't study for a reasoning test.  It's akin to a common sense test.  You either have it, or you don't.

Did the Arizona SB1070 law help you do your job better by empowering you with tools that helped intercept more illegals?

Asked by Darren almeida over 11 years ago

SB1070 passed shortly after I left the BP.  The USBP is 100% busy all of the time in Tucson Sector, so if anything it would have put more strain on us, due to a possible increase in local law enforcement apprehending illegals.  The actual passage did not affect the way we do business, as our authority is almost entirely immigration based.

I'd imagine there was a spike in OA (other agency) calls, and I'd like to hope that ICE in Phoenix got hammered by Sheriff Joe with more apprehensions.

What are the chances of getting hired by Border Patrol if there is an illegal immigrant in the family?

Asked by sarah over 11 years ago

Not very good.  Having an illegal immigrant in the family is a violation because you would be a federal agent with knowledge of someone violating a federal law.  This is a question which is covered during your background investigation.  This would obviously also call into question your motivation behind applying for the job. 

You said that the horse patrol is constantly at risk of being eliminated. But do you anticipate, based on your experience in the Tucson sector in particular, that there will always be a need for horse patrol in that area?

Asked by CL Smith over 11 years ago

Will there always be a need?  Sure.  Will that need justify the expense?  Unknown.  They are good to have, but expensive and time consuming so it's up to the sector if they feel they can justify them. 

How much time must you give of service to the BP, once you are picked?

Also, does the BP have a student loan repayment plan (I've heard other agencies do this with loans one might have with the Federal Department of Education)?

Asked by JC over 11 years ago

The BP is not like the military.  You may quit whenever you feel like it.  Some people get in, and leave within a few months because they don't like it or they found something else.  You do not sign a contract or anything of that nature.  I'm not entirely sure on the school support.  I know a buddy of mine was given a leave of absence to finish his law school classes.  The BP did not cover it.  You'd have to contact someone with more time in than myself.  Perhaps call one of the sector headquarters, or submit a question via the DHS/CBP website.

my husband got caught crossing the river in hidalgo tx. how to i find out where they have him

Asked by cindy over 11 years ago

This has been answered several times before.  Contact the Mexican consulate.