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

Do you receive any training or education on Intelligence while on the Border Patrol?
Also, what are the chances of starting as a BPA and crossing over to the intelligence division of Homeland Security? Or other federal agencies (ICE, FBI, ICE)?

Asked by janjo almost 13 years ago

You get very very basic intelligence training, but nothing that will make you stand out.  In fact those courses were FLETC courses and not the BP courses, so they may not even include them anymore.

Like everything else, the BP does have intel units.  However these units are small, and very difficult to land (normally going to senior agents).  If you were able to get into intel in the BP, then yes I'd imagine there would be a decent amount of crossover.

I am currently doing a certificate in Intelligence Analysis with an online university as that field interests me as well.  I would probably suggest getting some college credits or degrees in intelligence if that's really what your end goal is.  Of course, working in the BP would give you the money to do so.

Good luck!

Did you ever find yourself dehumanizing the Mexicans you caught along the border? Like did you got so desensitized to your job that you began to see them as pests? Or did you always view them with the same dignity you'd view anyone else?

Asked by JBaskin about 13 years ago

You never end up dehumanizing people.  That being said, business is business, work is work, and the law is the law.  Our job isn't to hug and nurture people, it's to apprehend them and secure the border as best as possible.

In that regard you become like most seasoned EMT's and nurses...you're doing your job.  The emotional baggage is best left behind.  Anyone in a line of service (EMT's, firefighters, paramedics, cops etc.) definitely gets very accustomed to "crap".  You run into enough tragedies, evil, wickedness, violence, abuse etc. that you become quite accustomed to it.  You just accept it and move along with your job.

The people we apprehended were dealt with quickly, efficiently and professionally.  We don't coddle people, but we don't beat them or treat them like animals etc.

Hello I'm 14 and I'm going to go on vacation with my uncle and aunt to Mexico for a few days do I need a Notarized letter from my parents I have a passport by the way.

Asked by David Chavez almost 13 years ago

No idea.  That's a customs question, so I'm not sure.  Mexican customs is pretty lax.

Hi, my husband was caught entering usa without inspection and was 16 at the time but lied to immigration officer stating he was 18 is this an offence when applying for status? He lied because the smuggler told him he had to say that and he was young

Asked by Janie almost 13 years ago

Not sure, I have no experience in status applications.  That would be a question better addressed to the officers you're dealing with during the application process.

what happens if you are caught trying to cross the boarder with a fake visa and not arrested? does it count against you if you try and get a visa?

Asked by ana over 12 years ago

Yep.

Im told not to get housing until after graduation. Im also told we get about a week after graduation to move. How does one find housing and move their family from Michigan to Arizona all in a week? Doesn't seem reasonable.

Asked by DL79 almost 13 years ago

The last couple of weeks before you graduate start looking...that's the beauty of the internet.  Start researching and contact apartment complexes near your station etc.  Heck you could even check into one of those hotels that lets you pay by the week for the first couple of weeks.  Me and my classmates found a house to rent via Craigslist.  We stayed there for 6 months then all moved to our own apartments/houses.

It's up to you to arrange the move of your family.  It's not easy, but you'll figure it out.  Just don't sign any papers or leases until you graduate.  You should be able to tell the home owner or apartment complex your situation. 

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 12 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.