Located along Highway 286 and the International Border, the Sasabe, Arizona Port of Entry employs many persons in border patrol jobs to help keep the United States safe. Sasabe, which is in the Tucson Sector of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is one of the quietest border crossings in the United States, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. About 165 cars pass through the Sasabe port each day. Part of the reason this port is so quiet is that it connects two small towns: Sasabe, Arizona, a town of just 11 residents; and El Sasabe, Mexico, a town of 1500 residents. However, the Sasabe port is vital to the success of these towns and its residents, as they travel each day for trade, shopping and visiting friends and relatives.
Border Crimes in Sasabe, Arizona
Even though Sasabe does not handle much traffic, it does see its share of drug smuggling attempts. CBP Officials say that the Sasabe corridor is one of the busier drug smuggling avenues from Mexico to the U.S. and back, although they would not release any statistics.
Border Crossings in Sasabe, Arizona
Because of the small amount of traffic seen at Sasabe, all vehicles crossing the border are searched. Sasabe permits crossings of the following types over the Mexican-Arizona/U.S. border:
- U.S. passenger vehicles – from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Mexican passenger vehicles – from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- U.S. cargo – from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Sasabe, Arizona
Although the Sasabe, Arizona port is one of the least busy in the United States, there are still border patrol jobs in Sasabe that need to be filled. Sasabe border patrol jobs and their requirements include:
Border Patrol Agent: Becoming a Border Patrol Agent carries important responsibilities, as you will be charged with keeping your country safe from terrorists and protected from illegal aliens and goods attempting to enter the U.S. Job and training requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Be under the age of 40 when you apply for the position
- Pass a thorough background investigation
- Pass a medical examination
- Pass physical fitness tests
- Pass initial and random drug tests
CBP Officer: The CBP Officer carries a bit more weight than the Border Patrol Agent. The responsibilities of this position are similar, except that CBP Officers have broader law enforcement powers and supervisory powers. Identification and analysis of persons and goods entering the U.S. is a large part of this position. Job requirements are similar to those for Border Patrol Agents, as well as:
- Three years of general experience for a GS-5 position (or a bachelor’s degree)
- One year of specialized experience for a GS-7 position
- Be under the age of 37 when you apply for the position