Ask a Border Patrol Agent anything

385 Questions

Last Answer on November 08, 2016

if someone is caught passing people over the border and got fingerprints and a ticket for 5000 dollars is that consider any type of felony or arrest

Asked by Paola over 11 years ago

Yes.

I have been in the border patrol Explorer program for two years and was given explorer of the year my first year. will this increase the speed of the application process.

Asked by Mr.305 almost 12 years ago

I don't believe so. The application process has no real steps you can skip or speed up. However, if you contact the agents you work with they would possibly be able to put you in touch with the Sector's recruitment agents who might be able to tell you more.

1292 Votes

I'm fostering children (U.S. Citizens) of an illegal immigrant. I have reason to think once the state gives the kids back their mom is going to take them to Mexico. Can an illegal immigrant parent take U.S. Citizen kids across the border to live?

Asked by Concerned Foster Parent over 11 years ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I'd believe so. Children are always at the mercy of their parents decision, regardless of their citizenship. A case would have to be made to the authorities (child protective services) to warrant removing the children from their parents.

1287 Votes

I live in Tucson, AZ and own a Polaris RZR (ATV), frequently take it down El Camino del Diablo trail from Ajo to Yuma. Along the route, I notice big border fence gaps. Is it illegal under US/MX law for me to cross and drive south into MX from here?

Asked by Rob almost 12 years ago

Yes. Well technically not for you to leave the country, but if you come back into the US (even as a US citizen) it is illegal to enter without crossing through a designated Port of Entry. Likewise you have no protection if you are apprehended by Mexican authorities (though they rarely watch their border).

1286 Votes

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Could I use the border patrol explorer program as a Job-Related Experience on the border patrol written exam.

Asked by Mr.305 almost 12 years ago

I have no idea. The exam is made for people who have no prior Border Patrol experience, so I am not sure you'd have a big advantage.

1284 Votes

does being a border patrol affect spending time with your family?

Asked by lynn almost 12 years ago

Short answer: yes. Law enforcement work of any type has statistically been very hard on families and relationships. Unfortunately law enforcement officers have a much higher rate of substance abuse, suicide, etc. It's a high stress line of work, working long hours, and dealing with the bottom of society. A lot of people live fine, normal lives - but the numbers are pretty bad. High rate of divorce is common. I do think the BP might be better than some local LEO work. I was away for an average of 11 hours a day, so if you have loved ones or family, it can be very taxing.

1281 Votes

Even if a Wall is infeasible, wouldn't cameras and motion sensors the entire length of the Mexican border be much easier and at least raise the rate of interceptions?

Asked by Bucknell about 12 years ago

We have a lot of the border under surveillance, but it's never enough. Also the desert is an extremely diverse environment. Dense brush, cliffs, outcroppings, washes (dry creekbeds), etc. make it very difficult to observe all of it.

Places with open expanses do rely on large networks of cameras. All along the border we also have sensors or various types (magnetic, seismic etc.) to detect groups and vehicles. However these don't always work, and are often set off by cattle or locals, or even BP Agents etc.

I worked for a bit over a year and a half in radar trucks which are fantastic. However these are expensive, and we never had enough of them. They were placed in high traffic areas. They were extremely effective - moreso than any other tactic we used.

Also, it's very common for BP Agents to detect, sight, or even chase a group and not catch it. So our detection numbers may be high, but actual apprehension numbers much lower. It would not be uncommon to have more groups on my radar screen than I had assets to pursue. You'd simply prioritize and catch as many as you could.

So, the theory is sound - but in practice is extremely difficult to monitor the entire border as it stands now. Also, groups/cartel guys learn where the cameras are, and simply avoid them. You do see more tunnels in areas which feature heavy camera presence.

1279 Votes

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Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

if someone is caught passing people over the border and got fingerprints and a ticket for 5000 dollars is that consider any type of felony or arrest

I have been in the border patrol Explorer program for two years and was given explorer of the year my first year. will this increase the speed of the application process.

I'm fostering children (U.S. Citizens) of an illegal immigrant. I have reason to think once the state gives the kids back their mom is going to take them to Mexico. Can an illegal immigrant parent take U.S. Citizen kids across the border to live?

I live in Tucson, AZ and own a Polaris RZR (ATV), frequently take it down El Camino del Diablo trail from Ajo to Yuma. Along the route, I notice big border fence gaps. Is it illegal under US/MX law for me to cross and drive south into MX from here?

Also on Jobstr...

Could I use the border patrol explorer program as a Job-Related Experience on the border patrol written exam.

does being a border patrol affect spending time with your family?

Even if a Wall is infeasible, wouldn't cameras and motion sensors the entire length of the Mexican border be much easier and at least raise the rate of interceptions?

Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

if someone is caught passing people over the border and got fingerprints and a ticket for 5000 dollars is that consider any type of felony or arrest

I have been in the border patrol Explorer program for two years and was given explorer of the year my first year. will this increase the speed of the application process.

I'm fostering children (U.S. Citizens) of an illegal immigrant. I have reason to think once the state gives the kids back their mom is going to take them to Mexico. Can an illegal immigrant parent take U.S. Citizen kids across the border to live?

I live in Tucson, AZ and own a Polaris RZR (ATV), frequently take it down El Camino del Diablo trail from Ajo to Yuma. Along the route, I notice big border fence gaps. Is it illegal under US/MX law for me to cross and drive south into MX from here?

Also on Jobstr...

Could I use the border patrol explorer program as a Job-Related Experience on the border patrol written exam.

does being a border patrol affect spending time with your family?

Even if a Wall is infeasible, wouldn't cameras and motion sensors the entire length of the Mexican border be much easier and at least raise the rate of interceptions?

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