Description
Protect the nation's borders by enforcing federal immigration, customs, and related laws. Patrol international land and coastal boundaries and operate checkpoints to detect, deter, and interdict illegal entries, smuggling, and other cross-border threats; apprehend, process, and transport subjects; conduct rescues and provide humanitarian aid as needed. Coordinate with federal, state, local, and tribal partners to safeguard people, property, and national security.
- • Place vulnerable individuals in protective custody and coordinate victim services.
- • Detect, track, and apprehend individuals illegally entering or smuggling across the border.
- • Protect border communities by maintaining security, responding to incidents, enforcing immigration and related federal laws, and fostering community relations.
- • Document encounters, seizures, arrests, use of force, and operational activities in detailed reports.
- • Provide first aid, rescue, and humanitarian assistance to migrants and others in distress in remote terrain or waterways.
- • Investigate cross-border smuggling, human trafficking, and other suspicious activity.
- • Assess encounters to determine immigration status and potential violations of federal statutes.
- • Monitor border areas, checkpoints, and transportation corridors for illegal entry indicators, safety hazards, and suspicious activity.
- • Testify in immigration and federal court proceedings.
- • Patrol international boundaries by vehicle, boat, ATV, horse, or on foot; detect violations and make apprehensions.
- • Operate and monitor immigration checkpoints and roving patrols to ensure compliance with federal laws.
- • Operate radios and data systems; relay incident and sensor alerts to dispatch and coordinate response.
- • Verify appropriate charges, immigration grounds of inadmissibility, and seizure authorities.
- • Photograph scenes, collect biometrics, and interview subjects and witnesses.
- • Evaluate alerts, intelligence, and calls to determine response and resource needs.
- • Execute federal arrest and search warrants.
- • Track sign and conduct linewatch patrols, responding promptly to sensor hits and assistance calls.
- • Investigate border-related vehicle pursuits, smuggling crashes, and incidents to determine violations.
- • Manage traffic at checkpoints and during incidents to ensure safety and continuity of operations.
- • Notify units to interdict suspects or render medical aid.
- • Serve federal notices, detainers, and administrative immigration documents.
- • Screen and question travelers at checkpoints and secured border areas; determine admissibility and intent.
- • Guard and secure border facilities, processing centers, and holding areas; enforce laws and maintain order.
- • Transport and escort detainees to stations, detention facilities, consulates, or medical providers.
- • Provide outreach to local communities, ranchers, and tribal members; share safety information and reporting channels.
- • Seize contraband, vehicles, and other property subject to forfeiture.
- • Assist motorists and travelers in border areas with safety information and directions as needed.
- • Process detainees, take biometrics, run records checks, and maintain custody and booking documentation.
- • Supervise agents, station personnel, and task force members when assigned.
- • Conduct community education on border safety, anti-smuggling awareness, and reporting suspicious activity.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
