Calexico is, as its name suggests, is a town that sits directly on the southern border of California and shares the northern border of Mexico. Its culture is a blend of Mexican and American cultural traditions. Part of the El Centro Sector in California, the Calexico Border Patrol Station was established in 1939.
Border Patrol jobs in Calexico involve patrolling 37.1 linear miles of border and 731 square miles of desert in Imperial County. Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Calexico Border Patrol Station personnel’s job duties include inspecting persons and goods trying to enter the United States, and making sure that nothing and no one enters this country illegally.
Calexico’s location has given it a bright future, with expected economic growth from its international /national location. Town leaders expect a population boom, economic development and employment opportunities to grow as the town grows. This projected growth is also attributed to an increase in Border Patrol jobs at the Calexico Border Patrol Station.
Border Crimes in Calexico, California
The Calexico Border Patrol Station has intercepted more than just illegal immigrants trying to gain access to the United States in recent years. Millions of dollars of illegal drugs have been intercepted here as well:
- On a day in April 2012, CBP officers stopped over $350,000 of methamphetamine from entering the U.S.
- On a different day in April 2012, CBP officers prevented $82,000 of marijuana from entering the U.S.
- In October 2012, CBP officers discovered $141,000 in marijuana and $192,000 in heroin hidden in vehicles trying to enter the United States
- In November 2012, CBP officers intercepted over $1 million in narcotics and kept it from entering the U.S.
Border Crossings in Calexico, California
The Calexico Border Patrol Station is divided into two ports. Calexico West, Class A is a Port of Entry, in which CBP Agents process merchandise entering into the United States, collecting duties and enforcing customs laws; while Calexico East, Class A is a Service Port, in which CBP Agents process cargo.
- Calexico West (Downtown Port)- Crossing:
- Calexico International Airport – Border Patrol Agents and Inspectorsare at the Airport each day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, inspecting an average of 30 aircraft daily.
- Calexico East – Crossings:
- Calexico International Airport- Border Patrol Agents and Inspectorsare at the Airport each day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, inspecting an average of 30 aircraft daily.
- Cargo Facility
- Entry
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Calexico, California
Calexico’s unique location makes a border patrol career in this area desirable as it also presents distinctive challenges to those who choose this career.
Border Patrol Agent: Becoming a Border Patrol Agent is a lengthy process. In addition to possessing U.S. citizenship and a valid driver’s license, and being under age 40, you must pass an entrance exam, background check, medical exams and physical fitness tests. A four-year college degree or at least one year of work experience is also required. In addition, you must:
- Learn Spanish
- Be willing to work rotating shifts
- Work alone
- Carry, maintain and use firearms
- Work in hazardous conditions
- Operate many different motor vehicles (trucks, cars, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, etc)
- Complete a 12-week training program at the CBP Border Patrol Academy
- Be able to maintain composure under stressful conditions
- Be willing to work anywhere in the United States in which CBP assigns you
CBP Officer: The CBP Officer has supervisory and managerial responsibilities. In addition to meeting the requirements for Border Patrol Agent (above), in order to become a CBP Officer you must:
- Be under age 37
- Pass a background investigation including a polygraph test
- Complete one month of pre-academy training at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, GA
- Pass two fitness tests
- Complete 18 weeks of training at FLETC in basic law-enforcement skills, including:
- Anti-terrorism
- Interviewing
- Detecting Contraband
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Examination of Cargo
….and many more