The Tecate, California Service Port operated by the Customs and Border Protection of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The city of Tecate lies on the Baja Peninsula of California, about 40 miles to the southeast of San Diego. Border patrol jobs in Tecate are plentiful, especially as the port was expanded in 2005.
The original Tecate border crossing was within an adobe building that had been built in 1830 and was originally used as a general store. Another facility was built in 1933, and in 2005, that facility was expanded to the tune of $18.8 million, making it a 13-acre complex with six secondary inspection lanes, two lanes for cars entering the U.S., two for trucks, and a separate pedestrian lane. Technology was improved with the new facility as well, including license plate readers, gamma ray scanners and radiation portal monitors, making the Border Patrol Agent‘s job much easier to perform.
Border Crimes in Tecate, California
On a daily basis, Border Patrol Agents and other personnel at the Tecate Port of Entry stop illegal persons and goods from entering the United States. Other crimes that they have prevented at the border include:
- Jan. 2012: Homicide suspect wanted by Modesto Police Dept apprehended
- June 2012: Illegal Mexican alien wanted for child molestation in Georgia apprehended
- March 2010: Homicide suspect wanted by New York Police Dept apprehended as he tried to re-enter U.S. from Mexico
Border Crossings in Tecate, California
Border crossing statistics for the Tecate Port of Entry for 2011 were:
- Buses: 148
- Bus passengers arriving: 1581
- Privately owned vehicles: 331,145
- Privately owned vehicle passengers arriving: 635,960
- Pedestrians arriving: 226,396
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Tecate, California
Border patrol jobs in Tecate include many Border Patrol Agents. Other jobs that may be available at the Tecate Port of Entry include:
CBP Officers: CBP Officers supervise and manage Border Patrol Agents and carry law enforcement responsibilities at the port. They are responsible for making sure that illegal persons, goods and possible terrorists or terror weapons/instruments do not enter the United States. Requirements for this position include:
- U.S. citizen and resident
- Driver’s license
- Be under age 37
- Pass polygraph exam
- Pass background check
- Pass drug tests
- Pass fitness tests
- Have either three years of experience or a bachelor’s degree (for a GS-5 position)
- Pass a written exam
Agriculture Specialists: These professionals are responsible for ensuring that pests, smuggled goods and other dangers do not enter the U.S. through agricultural products. They check persons, containers and trucks entering the U.S. using x-ray machines and trained dogs. Requirements include:
- U.S. Citizen
- Four-year science-based degree (such as botany, plant pathology, biology or entomology)
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass drug tests
- Pass medical exam
- Once hired, complete 10 to 12 weeks of training at the Professional Development Center in Frederick, MD