Mission
While the Border Patrol has changed dramatically since its inception in 1924, its mission remains unchanged: to detect and prevent the illegal entry of individuals into the United States. Together with other law enforcement officers, the Border Patrol helps maintain borders that work - facilitating the flow of legal immigration and goods while preventing the illegal trafficking of people and contraband.
The US Border Patrol is responsible for patrolling nearly 6,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders and over 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida Peninsula and the island of Puerto Rico. Agents work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions.
The priority mission of the Border Patrol is preventing terrorists and terrorists weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, from entering the United States. Undaunted by scorching desert heat or freezing northern winters, they work tirelessly as vigilant protectors of our Nation's borders.
Border Patrol Operations
It is mission of the Border Patrol is to protect our Nation by reducing the likelihood that dangerous people and capabilities enter the United States between the ports of entry. This is accomplished by maintaining surveillance, following up leads, responding to electronic sensor alarms and aircraft sightings, and interpreting and following tracks. Some of the major activities include maintaining traffic checkpoints along highways leading from border areas, conducting city patrol and transportation check, and anti-smuggling investigations.
Often, the border is a barely discernible line in uninhabited deserts, canyons, or mountains. The Border Patrol utilizes a variety of equipment and methods to accomplish its mission in such diverse terrain. Electronic sensors are placed at strategic locations along the border to detect people or vehicles entering the country illegally. Video monitors and night vision scopes are also used to detect illegal entries. Agents patrol the border in vehicles, boats, and afoot. In some areas, the Border Patrol even employs horses, all-terrain motorcycles, bicycles, and snowmobiles.
Strategy
USBP was officially established on May 28, 1924, with an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors. While we have grown into a dynamic workforce of nearly 20,000 personnel equipped with technology that continues to advance, the threats of our nation and agents on the frontline are ever evolving. Increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal organizations, record levels of migration, and cultural and technological shifts will persist in challenging the way our workforce operates. To maintain a proactive posture on our nation's border Security, the USBP must enhance operations while remaining steadfast to our core values of vigilance, integrity, and service to country.
The 2024-2028 U.S. Border Patrol Strategy builds upon previous strategies and updates our three goals centered on securing the border, achieving organizational excellence, and building effective collective history that prepares us to successfully execute our mission. While our commitment to U.S. border security is as strong today as it was in 1924, constant operational advancement is essential to meet the threats of tomorrow, serve and protect the American people, and to live out our motto, " Honor First."
builds upon previous strategies and updates our three goals centered on securing the border, achieving organizational excellence, and building effective collective history that prepares us to successfully execute our mission. While our commitment to U.S. border security is as strong today as it was in 1924, constant operational advancement is essential to meet the threats of tomorrow, serve and protect the American people, and to live out our motto, " Honor First."
Core Values
Vigilance is how we ensure the safety of all Americans. We are continuously watchful and alert to deter, detect and prevent threats to our nation. We demonstrate courage and valor in the protection of our nation.
Service to Country is embodied in the work we do. We are dedicated to defending and upholding the Constitution of the United States. The American people have entrusted us to protect the homeland and defend liberty.
Integrity is our cornerstone. We are guided by the highest ethical and moral principles. Our actions bring honor to ourselves and our agency.