Border Patrol jobs today are much different than they were in the beginning. At its inception in 1904, the Border Patrol was comprised of just 75 mounted men, called “inspectors,” who were charged with patrolling the United States Border. These original Border Patrol agents were responsible for providing their own horses and were given little direction in the disposition of their duties. With limited resources, these men sought to protect the United States/Mexico border from raids and to expel illegal Chinese immigrants from the California border.

In 1924, the government expanded the Border Patrol’s territory and numbers, and border protection became more of a coordinated effort. Most of the agents recruited during this time were former Texas Rangers or local law enforcement. In 1934, a formal school was opened for training Border Patrol agents in horsemanship and marksmanship. During World Wars I and II, agents were tasked with overseeing internment camps and patrolling the Gulf Coast to protect against infiltration by enemy spies.

Working for the Border Patrol today is about more than just providing border security. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, the Border Patrol’s focus expanded from simply deterring the flow of illegal immigrants and substances across the border to preventing terrorists and weapons of terrorism from gaining access to our country. Border Patrol agents play a vital role within the Department of Homeland Security in the prevention of terrorism. In addition, Border Patrol agents regulate the flow of people and products as they enter America, and work tirelessly to bring an end to human trafficking.

As the largest federal enforcement agency, the Border patrol employs not only enforcement agents, but support personnel including biologists, engineers, and legal counsel. The Border Patrol continues its tradition of excellence and requires that recruits posess a college degree, meet certain fitness requirements, and have a clean background. Border Patrol agents must complete basic training similar to military boot camp, and must become well-versed in such topics as immigration law. Furthermore, agents are required to be fluent in Spanish or undergo intensive Spanish language courses. The modern Border Patrol agent works from land, sea, or air and utilizes technologies such as GPS and aerial mapping, and may even perform his or her duties on horseback or with a canine team. While Border Patrol jobs have changed greatly over the years, the spirit of service to country remains the same.