U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has established different patrol sectors across the country to maintain the integrity and security of our nation’s borders. Started in 1924 with just two employees, the Del Rio Sector in Texas currently employs over 800 personnel, including over 700 Border Patrol Agents who patrol 41 counties in Texas. Their patrol area includes 210 miles along the Rio Grande River and Lake Amistad, forming the international border with Mexico. According to the U.S. Border Patrol Supervisors’ Association, the Del Rio Sector is the third busiest in the United States, with employees arresting 150,000 illegal aliens each year.
With its unique location, border patrol jobs in Del Rio, Texas provide unique challenges to those wishing to work for the CBP. During the fiscal year of 2012, Border Patrol Agents in the Del Rio Sector performed seven water rescues along the Rio Grande.
Border Crimes in Del Rio, Texas
U.S. Border Patrol employees in the Del Rio, Texas sector apprehend illegal immigrants and drugs trying to enter the United States illegally from Mexico. Other crimes occurring in the Del Rio sector include:
- April 2012 – Seizure of sniper rifles and other long-range rifles in a vehicle headed from Texas to Mexico
- April 2012 – Seizure of eight assault rifles and 600 rounds of ammunition in a vehicle headed from Texas to Mexico
- May 2012 – Seizure of $900,000 in marijuana trying to enter the United States through the Rio Grande River
- February 2012 – Seizure of $650,000 worth of marijuana and two assault rifles trying to enter Mexico
Border Crossings in Del Rio, Texas
Ten border crossing stations exist in the Del Rio Sector:
- Carrizo Springs
- Abilene
- Comstock
- Brackettville
- Del Rio
- Llano
- Eagle Pass
- San Angelo
- Uvalde
- Rocksprings
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Del Rio, Texas
The Del Rio Sector’s singular placement along the Rio Grande, as well as its vast size, means that border patrol jobs in Del Rio are usually plentiful. Job titles in this sector may include:
Marine Interdiction Agent: With the Rio Grande and Lake Amistad making up a large part of the Del Rio Sector, Marine Interdiction Agents are necessary to prevent the illegal entry of immigrants, drugs, weapons and other goods into the United States via these water routes. These agents are also called upon to perform water rescues when illegal aliens may find themselves in trouble. Requirements of this job include:
- U.S. citizen
- Under age 40
- Pass background test
- Pass drug test
- Pass physical exam
- Knowledge of operation of water vessels
- Have either marine or law enforcement experience (preferred, but not required)
- Have a U.S. Coast Guard License (to qualify for job titles with higher pay grades only)
Field Office Support Services (FOSS) Site Manager: This position involves supervision of personnel in the Del Rio Sector, as well as maintenance of records, internal site audits, and Performance Work Statement and Performance Requirement Summary development and delivery. Requirements include:
- U.S. citizen
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Two years of records management experience, with one year of supervisory records management experience
- Basic to intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Office
- Pass a background investigation and qualify for USCIS security clearance and a DSS Secret clearance