A wealth of opportunities may exist for those seeking Border Patrol jobs at the Ambassador Bridge, Michigan border crossing. As part of the Detroit Sector within the Northern Border Sector, the Ambassador Bridge in Michigan is an important area, as it is singlehandedly the busiest international land border crossing in North America. In fact, nearly 27 percent of all trade activity between the U.S. and Canada travels through the Ambassador Bridge Service Port. It is estimated that this service port accounts for about $400 billion in annual trade between the two countries.
The Northern Border Sector of Detroit employed 409 Border Patrol officers in FY2011, a jump from just 318 in FY2009. In addition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) positions, the Ambassador Bridge is responsible for 150,000 jobs in the region.
Border Patrol Requirements at the Ambassador Bridge, Michigan
CBP officers at the Ambassador Bridge, Michigan, are authorized to collect duties and enforce a number of customs and navigation laws. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, because it is under the Department of Homeland Security, has strict Border Patrol job requirements. In particular, before beginning training and CBP education, those seeking careers in the Border Patrol must:
- Be no more than 40 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of the U.S. for at least 3 years
- Have no conviction of domestic violence
All CBP officers and border patrol agents must also pass a strenuous fitness test, as well as a drug test, background check, and credit check. CBP officers can expect federal retirement benefits, as well as health and life insurance benefits, upon securing a career with the Border Patrol.
Ambassador Bridge Service Port
The Ambassador Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor Ontario. It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all commercial truck traffic in the area travels over the Ambassador Bridge.
Windsor, Ontario, which is located in Southwest Ontario near the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor, is separated from Detroit, Michigan, by the Detroit River. CBP officers at the Ambassador Bridge Service Port oversee all cargo processing functions, including inspections and collections. The bridge is 1.6 miles long and the roadway is four lanes, with inspection checkpoints on either direction.