The Wild Horse, Montana Port of Entry is located ninety miles south of Medicine Hat, Alberta, and is widely used by agricultural communities of eastern Alberta, Montana, and western Saskatchewan. While the volume of border traffic in Wild Horse is generally low, Alberta’s booming economy is projected to lead to increased activity, particularly as machinery and equipment destined for Alberta’s oil sands is imported from the US to Canada.
Although the Wild Horse Border Patrol Station currently operates under limited hours, local politicians on both sides of the border are working to open a twenty-four hour commercial station. A study by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research on the effect of extended hours at the port suggested that an upgrade to twenty-four hour status could increase visitor volume by thirty percent.
During 2011, over 16,000 passenger vehicles passed through the Wild Horse port, while over 1,700 commercial vehicles did so (commercial vehicles are currently required to obtain a permit to carry freight through the Wild Horse port). The port is part of the Customs and Border Protection Northern border sector, which in fiscal year 2011 employed over 2,200 Border Patrol Agents. These agents performed over 6,000 apprehensions of illegal immigrants, seized over 9,000 pounds of marijuana, 200 pounds of cocaine, 750 pounds of ecstasy, and 30 pounds of other drugs. Agents also seized over ninety firearms, over 4,000 rounds of ammunitions, and almost $5 million in currency.
Border Patrol Job Titles and Requirements in Wild Horse, MT
Customs and Border Protection is the largest law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The primary aim of the Border Patrol is to keep the nation safe by preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering our nation’s borders. Border Patrol positions can be demanding and often involve long hours, yet they also provide the satisfaction of contributing to the country’s safety.
Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers – The primary Border Patrol position at the Wild Horse station is Border Patrol Agent. These agents detect, prevent, and apprehend terrorists, illegal immigrants, and the unauthorized movements of goods by maintaining human and electronic surveillance, following leads, maintaining traffic checkpoints, and performing anti-smuggling investigations, among other activities. Agents must be proficient in firearm use, and frequently work alongside dogs.
The screening process is extensive, and all agents are required to complete paid training in New Mexico. Prospective Border Control Agents are required to meet the following criteria:
- Be U.S. citizens
- Have been a resident of the country for at least three years
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Must not be 40 or older by the time of hiring (some exceptions apply)
- Be free of convictions for domestic violence
- Pass drug tests, fitness and medical exams, background checks, entrance tests, and in some cases polygraph examinations
Agriculture Specialists – Border Patrol Agriculture Specialist prevent diseases, pests, and forms of agro-terrorism from crossing the nation’s borders. Their duties include enforcing a variety of federal, state, and local laws by conducting random checks, seizing prohibited or contaminated items, serving as technical consultants, and treating or disinfecting agricultural commodities. As with Border Patrol Agents, Agriculture Specialists must pass background checks, medical examinations, and drug test. They may also be granted heightened levels of security clearance.
Other Border Patrol Jobs in Wild Horse, MT
In addition to the positions above, prospective applicants may find work in operational and mission support positions, which may include Sector Enforcement Specialists, Paralegals, IT Specialists, Security Specialists, Contract Specialists, Human Resource Specialists, Mission Support Specialists, Budget Analysts, purchasing agents, and mechanics.