Border Patrol Jobs in Eagle Pass, Texas give agents a chance to be multi-versed in a variety of patrol means. Border Patrol Agents conduct line-watch searches using Air and Marine Interdiction Agents, bicycle, and ATV patrols. Marine Interdiction Agents search the Rio Grande for suspicious items or people while Air Interdiction Agents support them from the sky. These units work together to quickly locate and intercept illegal activity along the river border. Additional bicycle and ATV units give agents the means to respond as quickly as possible to border sensor alarms or other concerning reports. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers also inspect and interrogate private and commercial traffic crossing the border. There is seldom a dull moment in the career of a Border Agent.
Border patrol jobs in Eagle Pass, Texas will place the Border Agent in this town of about 27,000 inhabitants. The border crossing itself is a bridge that stretches across the Rio Grand to Eagle Pass’ sister city Piedras Negras. With a population of over 200,000 and a new highway recently built to Nuevo Laredo, the region south of the border is expected to grow over the coming years. Unfortunately the level of gang activity and violence south of the border has also recently been growing, leading to an increased demand for more Border Patrol jobs in Eagle Pass, Texas. Piedras Negras has recently become the staging area for several organized cartels.
Increasing Drug Cartel Activities Immediately South of Eagle Pass, Texas
With the increase in cartel operations trafficking in arms, drugs, and people is on the rise. CBP Officers must remain alert and inspect suspicious vehicles or persons at the border crossing, which is open to commercial and private vehicles as well as pedestrians. Border Patrol Agents must also be ever-vigilant to who or what is attempting to illegally cross the border. Two recent cases involving a gang-related Mexican jail break and ammunition smuggling highlight this responsibility of Border Patrol Agents. Authorities in Eagle Pass say it has become an ammunition-smuggling hotspot. Recently in one month Border Patrol and CBP Officers seized a total of 700 AK-47 magazines, each capable of holding 30-35 bullets.
Border Patrol Careers in Eagle Pass, Texas: Community Involvement
The job of Eagle Pass Border Agents also involves local community outreach. Agents are involved in school and community programs, acting as positive role models sponsoring drug demand reduction, gang violence education, and graffiti eradication programs. In addition to keeping Eagle Pass and the country safe, Border Agents play a direct positive role in the community.
Border Patrol job requirements include being a U.S. citizen, possessing a valid driver’s license, having no domestic violence convictions, and being under the age of 40 at the time of application (except those with previous law-enforcement or military experience). Applicants must also successfully pass a polygraph and drug test, as well as a background examination. Knowledge of the Spanish language is also a must.