Texas is on the front line of illegal immigration and illegal trafficking in weapons and drugs. In 2011 Border Patrol Agents in the state arrested almost 119,000 people, seized 1.5 million pounds of drugs and around $19.9 million.
Despite an increase in allocated funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol, there is such a large demand for career Border Agents that if developments continue as planned the Amarillo Station will be closed with all agents being transferred to stations on the immediate U.S.-Mexico border. However as is often times the case with this sort of news, a way will likely be found to keep the station open, as it is important the security of the Southwest Border Sector.
Border Patrol Jobs in Amarillo Intersect with Local Law
Enforcement Professionals
Border Patrol jobs in Amarillo, Texas are important in this part of the state because local and state law enforcement do not have the federal authority that Border Patrol Agents have. A major corridor for illegal aliens and drugs runs through Amarillo. When state officials stop someone who is in the country illegally, they only have the authority to arrest the person if he or she is wanted. However the state or local official can call Border Agents to detain suspects on immigration violations.
This advantage will be lost if Border Agents move closer to the front line. The Amarillo station, opened in 1969, together with its sister station in Lubbock, are responsible for patrolling 51,633 square miles of territory. Without a doubt, there will be a need for Border Patrol jobs in Amarillo for the foreseeable future.
Featured U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Career in Amarillo:
Predator-B Drone Pilot
One normally hears about drones in regards to wars in foreign places, but actually there are a number of police and law enforcement agencies in the United States that take advantage of unmanned airial drones for surveillance, including Border Patrol Agents.
To begin a career as a drone pilot with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- U.S. Citizen
- Be under 40 years old
- Pass a background and drug check
- Pass an FAA flight physical
- Possess a valid Commercial Pilot’s license
- Be a qualified Predator-B pilot
- Total flight time logged of 1500 hours, including night flying and Pilot-in-Command (PIC)