As a border state, the security of Minnesota is vital to the security of the United States. This is why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) places the best and brightest into border patrol jobs in Minnesota.
Seasonal border stations exist at Crane Lake and Ely, and are open just for the summer tourist season from May to September. These open in anticipation of increased traffic between the U.S. and Canada across Minnesota’s borders. Other border stations and ports of entry in Minnesota (listed in the Border Crossings section below) are open year-round.
Border patrol agents and others working at border crossing stations in Minnesota are responsible for detecting and preventing terrorist activities, smuggling, and the crossings of illegal aliens over the U.S./Canada border. In addition, those working at international ports of entry in Minnesota, especially within its airports, are responsible for securing the U.S. from aliens and threats from all countries.
Minnesota’s border crossings and ports of entry are located within the Grand Forks Sector. Crime statistics reported by the CBP for this sector in 2011 include:
- 468 apprehensions
- 0.02 pounds of marijuana seized
- One assault reported
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Minnesota
Minnesota needs Border Patrol Agents, CBP Officers and some specialized employees due to its unique location. Some of these include:
Agriculture Specialist – These professionals are responsible for identifying and inspecting produce coming into the U.S. They may use canines to help search for pests, prohibited or illegal goods. Requirements before training for this job include:
- U.S. citizen
- Bachelor’s degree with a major in biological sciences (or a combination of education and experience, with at least 24 semester hours in biological sciences completed)
- Valid driver’s license
- Pass background check
- Pass drug test
- Pass medical exam
- Complete 12 weeks of training at the Professional Development Center in Frederick, MD if hired
Import Specialist – These U.S. Customs careers involve inspecting all goods that enter a station or port of entry. Its value must be appraised, it must be categorized, and the professional must make a decision whether or not to allow it into the U.S., based on U.S. customs laws. Requirements include:
- U.S. citizen
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics or accounting
- Three years of work experience
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug test
- Complete seven weeks of training in imports/exports and trade agreements if hired
Border Crossings in Minnesota
The following border crossing stations and ports of entry are open year-round in Minnesota:
- International Falls Station – agents here must patrol 143 miles of international border between Ontario and Minnesota (U.S.)
- Warroad Station – this area is responsible for securing northwestern Minnesota, just above the 49th parallel, and 144 miles of international border between Minnesota, Manitoba and Ontario
- Duluth Station – this station is responsible for patrolling 39,207 square miles of Minnesota
- Grand Marais – employees of this station must cover northeastern Minnesota, including Lake Superior’s shoreline
- Roseau – port of entry
- Baudette – port of entry that includes Baudette International Airport and Seaplane Base
- Lancaster – port of entry
- Grand Portage – port of entry that includes Cook County Airport and Cook County Seaplane Base
- Pinecreek – port of entry
- Minneapolis – service port that includes Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
- Rochester – port of entry that is a user-fee airport; that is, a fee is charged to persons who use CBP services