The Detroit Sector of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department of the United States Department of Homeland Security is tasked with keeping the borders and ports of entry in Ohio secure from terroristic threats, illegal aliens, and smuggled drugs and other contraband. The Detroit sector covers the entire state of Ohio.
The Sandusky Bay Border Crossing Station in Port Clinton, Ohio is the only station of the sector within the state. Border Patrol Agents working at Sandusky Bay are responsible for the marine patrol of Lake Erie and for land patrol of its shoreline and the five border counties located within Ohio.
The Sandusky Bay Station in Ohio set a precedent for CBP when it was opened in June 2012. It is the first CBP facility containing three components of the CBP under one roof: Office of Air and Marine, Office of Border Patrol, and Office of Field Operations.
Statistics on border crimes in Ohio are rarely published by the CBP. However, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Ohio have reported the following crimes:
- March 2012 – Cleveland – illegal Jamaican alien and fugitive arrested and deported to Jamaica to face murder charges there
- April 2012 – Cleveland – illegal Mexican alien and fugitive arrested and returned to Mexico to face kidnapping charges there
- December 2012 – Columbus – the Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force reported $2.4 million was seized in 2012 in illicit cash from criminal organizations trying to enter or leave the US
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Ohio
Keeping Ohio safe is the responsibility of Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers stationed at its ports of entry and border crossing stations. In addition to these types of workers, other key border patrol jobs in Ohio include:
Marine Interdiction Agent: These types of agents work for the Office of Air and Marine, with an office in Ohio at Sandusky Bay Station. They are charged with preventing terrorist activities and illegal entrance to the US through its water boundaries. The requirements for this job include:
- US citizenship
- Be under age 40
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass a physical examination
- Pass a drug test
Agricultural Specialist: These agents work at ports of entry into the U.S., and must inspect and identify produce and agricultural goods that enter the U.S. Canines may be used by agents in this position, to help identify illegal or prohibited items and find pests and prevent them from entering the U.S. The requirements for this job include:
- US citizenship
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree with a major in biological sciences (or experience along with completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours in biological sciences )
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass drug test
- Pass a medical examination
- If hired, agree to 12 weeks of specialized job training at the Professional Development Center in Frederick, MD
Border Crossings in Ohio
The following are CBP Ports of Entry in Ohio:
- Toledo-Sandusky
- Ashtabula/Conneaut
- Dayton
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Cleveland
CBP border crossing stations in the Detroit Sector within the state of Ohio are:
- Sandusky Bay Station