Being a Border Patrol Agent can be both mentally and physically challenging. As a result, the application process to become a Border Patrol Agent is intentionally rigorous to ensure those selected can carry out the duties that are expected of them.

Since 1904, the Border Patrol has had 123 officers killed in the line of duty, more than any other federal law enforcement agency during that time period.

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Border Patrol agents are increasingly becoming victims of assault and attacks while on patrol along the border between San Diego and Tijuana. Last week, an agent was hit with a wooden plank as she tried to retrieve a ladder that was being used to climb over the border barrier.

Border patrol salary is set according to the Federal Government’s General Schedule (GS) that calculates wages based on experience and training. Entry-level agents automatically progress along a salary schedule with each year of service, which helps them quickly reach a six-figure income.

The Border Patrol Academy is one of the toughest law enforcement academies in the nation. The curriculum amounts to 940 hours of rigorous instruction in physical fitness, immigration law, firearms use, and driving, among other areas.

Since he’s only been on the job for a few months, Cole has been working the typical twelve-hours-a-day, five-days-a-week shifts that they give to trainee agents. By the time he gets home at night, he barely has enough energy to make a microwave dinner and sink into his bed.

The average Border Patrol Agent in the US makes $60,420. Border Patrol Agents make the most in San Francisco, CA at $91,216, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

A U.S. border patrol agent was killed by attackers using rocks near the border of the United States and Mexico.

A branch of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol detects and prevents illegal entry into the United States, with an emphasis on preventing terrorism. The starting Border Patrol salary is $52,583, at time of writing.

The United States Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its 11,000 agents are primarily responsible for immigration and border law enforcement as codified in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Border Patrol Agents also commonly carry the .223 caliber M4 Carbine and the H&K UMP .40 caliber submachine gun. The .308 caliber M14 rifle is used for mostly ceremonial purposes and by BORTAC in special situations. As less than lethal options, the Border Patrol also uses the FN303 .