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  3. Along U.S. Borders

Along U.S. Borders: U.S. Border Patrol

The United States Border Patrol is the mobile, uniformed law enforcement arm of U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for securing U.S. borders between ports of entry. 

 


 

The Border Patrol was officially established on May 28, 1924 by an act of Congress passed in response to increasing illegal immigration. Although the Border Patrol has changed dramatically since its inception, its overall 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.
 

Defending the Border: Geographic Overview, Mission and History

  • Smart Wall Map

    Preview of Smart Wall Map

    Explore our interactive map designed to depict the status of border barriers along the 1,954-mile border between the U.S. and Mexico.

  • Mission

    Border Patrol conducts cold weather operations in the Wellesley Island, Alexandria Bay and Clayton region of New York

    Undaunted by scorching desert heat or freezing northern winters, U.S. Border Patrol works tirelessly as vigilant protectors of our Nation's borders.

  • History

    Historical image of border patrol agents

    Since its inception in 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has had a proud history of service despite changes affecting nearly every aspect of its operations.

Sectors and Stations, Patrol Strategy, and Special Operations

  • Sectors

    Border Patrol Agents in Texas

    The U.S. Border Patrol operates across numerous sectors and stations nationwide, safeguarding America’s borders. Access detailed information and contact resources for every sector and station.

  • Strategy

    Border Patrol agent surveys the border

    The 2025-2029 U.S. Border Patrol Strategy builds upon previous strategies and goals centered on securing the border, achieving organizational excellence and building effective collective history.

  • Special Operations

    USBP Boat Patrol

    The Missing Alien Program seeks to prevent the loss of life among the alien population crossing the border into the United States of America in accordance with the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act.

Additional Resources

  • Technology

    USBP Tech Showcase

    Operating with a suite of technology and infrastructure assets, the U.S. Border Patrol utilizes current and future innovation, including autonomous capabilities, to detect and identify threats in near real time.

  • Explorer Program

    USBP Explorer

    Exploring offers 14-20 year olds the opportunity to work with dedicated law enforcement professionals throughout their formative years, providing a training experience and development of skills required for law enforcement professions.

  • Fallen Heroes

    USBP In Memoriam

    They are comrades in arms, sentinels at the boundary to freedom, these men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who have put national security above their own goals, interests, safety, even above their own survival.

Last Modified: Jun 29, 2026