The Tucson Sector of the United States Border Patrol is under the command of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Border patrol jobs in Tucson, Arizona involve patrolling 262 miles encompassing the majority of the state of Arizona, from the Arizona/New Mexico border to the Yuma County line. The CBP states that the Tucson Sector has the most illegal alien apprehensions and marijuana seizures of any sector in the U.S.
The jobs of border patrol agents and employees in the Tucson Sector do not involve merely apprehending illegals and seizing drugs, however. These employees routinely rescue those who become stranded in the rough terrain that makes up the Tucson Sector, including the Tumacacori Mountains and the West Desert. This requires the work not only of Border Patrol Agents on foot, but also the discerning, trained eyes of agents in the air.
Border Crimes in Tucson, Arizona
According to CBP data, the following crimes were reported in the Tucson Sector in Fiscal Year 2011:
- 123,285 illegal aliens were apprehended
- 1,039,442.69 pounds of marijuana were seized
- 170.58 pounds of cocaine were seized
- 251 assaults were reported
- 509 rescues were performed
- 180 deaths were reported
Border Crossings in Tucson, Arizona
Eight border-crossing stations are included within the Tucson, Arizona sector:
- Wilcox Station
- Ajo Station
- Tucson Station
- Casa Grande Station
- Sonoita Station
- Douglas Station
- Nogales Station
- Naco Station
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Tucson, Arizona
Currently, 4200 Border Patrol Agents work in the Tucson Sector. With the establishment of the Joint Field Command by the Department of Homeland Security in 2011, the jobs of CBP border security, as well as trade and commercial enforcement were brought together under one coordinated umbrella. Other jobs available within the sector include
CBP Officer: These law enforcement personnel man the ports of entry into the U.S. Requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Be under the age of 37
- Have three years of experience for a GS-5 level job (or a bachelor’s degree)
- Have one year of specialized experience for a GS-7 level job
- Pass background, drug, and physical fitness tests
Air Interdiction Agent: Special training is required to become an Air Interdiction Agent, as one must patrol the skies in search of terrorist threats, illegal aliens attempting to cross borders, drug smuggling operations, and so forth. These agents operate aircraft including Astar helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters C-12, C-210, and P-3 Orion fixed-wing aircraft. In addition to U.S. citizenship and being under age 37, these agents must meet the following requirements:
- Pass background, drug and physical fitness tests
- Possess pilot certification
- Possess a current FAA Class I Medical Certificate
- Provide the last page of one’s Flight Log Book with hours spent piloting an aircraft