YUMA, Ariz.– Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents and professional staff donated nearly 100 gifts to local children and more than 8,600 pounds of food in three separate toy and food drives.

To kick off the holiday season, Yuma Sector employees donated 8,662 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Yuma Food Bank in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s Feds Feed Families campaign in September. Additionally, employees supported the Yuma and Imperial Valley U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive Tuesday and gathered gifts for 48 children. The Sector also participated in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree drive and provided an assortment of gifts for 50 children Friday. 

“Our Sector is comprised of generous individuals who live and work in the same communities we serve,” said Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony J. Porvaznik. “Giving to those less fortunate, especially children, is but a small gesture to lift those in need and strengthen our communities.”

OTR has a national and regional partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA).  We are responsible for managing CBP's outreach and communications with the international trade community, including the small and medium sized business community. OTR ensures that the trade community and the public understand that trade is an integral part of CBP's mission; making America safer, stronger, more prosperous, and economically competitive. As we continue to focus on economic growth, OTR has partnered with SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman and other small business entities to educate small and medium business owners on trade facilitation and compliance as it relates to importing, exporting and the global supply chain. 

OTR’s outreach efforts to the small business community comes in various forums; webinars, in-person roundtables and Small Business Trade Days.

Topics covered may include a variety of information, such as:

• CBP’s role in Trade imports and exports - Automation and Partnership
• What small business owners need to know and what they should avoid when importing into the U.S.
• The role of the Broker in imports and exports, and how they can help
• Resources available to the small and medium businesses (SBREFA, SBA Programs and DHS/CBP Contract Opportunities)

Upcoming Events:

• April 17, 2019: SBA/SBDC Trade Day – Oklahoma
• August 2, 2019: Workshop with TransAtlantic Expo – Dallas, TX
• September 3-6, 2019: SBDC Annual Conference – Long Beach, CA

Past Events:

• December 11, 2018: CPSC Webinar with NCBFAA
• September 26, 2018: Trade Day with CONECT – Natick, MA
• April 26, 2018: Industry Trade Day – Laredo, TX
• March 5, 2018: Webinar with NCBFAA
• March 9, 2017: Industry Trade Day – San Diego, CA

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss an opportunity to collaborate with CBP in our outreach efforts, please contact OTR at (202) 344-1440 or cbpsbrelations@cbp.dhs.gov.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Kingsville agents visited over 150 children, and their families, at the Driscoll Children’s Hospital. 

On Tuesday, agents from the Kingsville Border Patrol Station participated in their 16th Annual Driscoll Children’s Hospital Toy Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Kingsville Station’s Border Patrol Officer Association, along with donations from agents and management, funded the event and purchased toys for children ranging in age from infants to teenagers. This year, Kingsville agents provided toys to each child, and their visiting siblings, who are spending their Christmas holiday away from their home.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

EDINBURG, Texas— The U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Sector (RGV) Border Community Liaison (BCL) program streamlines communication between the public and the sector’s Chief Patrol Agent by engaging with our community. Outreach is aligned under the BCL program, and includes: the Explorers; Operation Detour; Head of the Class & Youth of the Year Scholarship; school and career day presentations; Citizens’ Academies and much more. Agents within the BCL program and Strategic Communications also facilitate tours of visiting congressional delegations and high ranking dignitaries, as well as participate in meetings with landowners and other stakeholders.

Below are some of the highlights for 2018 events: 

• “Head of the Class” recognized 69 students for their efforts, in and out of the classroom, during the 2017/2018 school year. Three of the students were selected as “Youth of the Year,” receiving a $1,750 scholarship made possible by the generosity of HEB, IBC, Noble Texas Builders, and the Region One Education Service Center.
• RGV Sector’s employees generously raised 159,684 pounds of food during the 2018 “Feds Feed Families” food drive, which directly benefits needy families in the local area.
• Agents conducted close to 200 “Red Ribbon Week” and “Just Say No” to drugs presentations, influencing the lives of 68,448 students.
• BCL agents continued to make a direct impact with the local youth via the Border Patrol Explorer program with 60 events held, directly affecting 4,694 students.
• 95 “Operation Detour” presentations were led by station agents to more than 20,000 students in hopes of steering youth away from illegal activity that plagues border communities. 
• RGV Sector continues to support Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) through its annual Chili Cook Off – In 2017, despite the snow and cold weather, the sector raised one thousand dollars for a local charity.  This year, the Chili Cook Off, scheduled for Friday December 21, 2018, will host over 15 teams from different agencies across the Rio Grande Valley. 
• High profile visits to the sector included welcoming national and foreign delegates such as Vice President Mike Pence, First Lady Melania Trump, the first ladies of Honduras and Guatemala, Secretaries Jim Mattis and Kirstjen Nielsen. Each visit provides a better understanding of the humanitarian and border security mission.

“We understand the vital need to build and maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the community we serve, including segments of the community that have remained disconnected from our agency. During 2018, we worked diligently to forge this bond through various platforms and robust community outreach and engagement programs such as Career Days, Stakeholder meetings, Citizens Academies and Operation Detour presentations,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz.

LAREDO, Texas– The Laredo Sector proudly participated in the Fifth Annual Tolerance Parade at John B. Alexander High School in Laredo, Texas.

On a brisk, cool December 20 morning, the Laredo Sector Border Community Liaison program, Laredo North Station’s Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Units, the Laredo South Station Bike Patrol, and Ringo, the Laredo Sector canine mascot participated in the parade with over 60 participants. The parade twice circled the school and included the school’s various student and extracurricular organizations, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Webb County Constable's Office, Z93 and 98.1 radio stations and even Santa Claus.

The parade is the school’s annual event that focuses on tolerance and celebrating each and every one of their students with and without disabilities. This parade honors their Special Education students as the school finishes their fall semester by focusing on empathy, tolerance, and respect

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is committed to community involvement, and the holiday season in particular allows agents to give back to the community we work and live in.

EDINBURG, Texas — On Thursday, Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Border Community Liaison (BCL) Border Patrol agents participated in a Career Day Presentation at Gonzalez Elementary in McAllen, Texas. BCL agents informed students of the qualifications, training, educational background, ethical principles and determination necessary to become a United States Border Patrol Agent.

This month, Brownsville Station’s BCL unit participated in multiple Career Day events throughout the community to include; El Jardin Elementary, Jubilee Leadership Academy, and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Agents shared the everyday precautionary measures and tactics when patrolling the border.

Along with BCL agents, the RGV Horse Patrol Unit and Border Patrol’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Unit provided demonstrations and explained the various resources the Border Patrol uses to secure the nations borders.  After the presentations, students interacted with the horses and received general safety tips when riding horses and operating ATVs. 

WASHINGTON - On February 8, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the Fast Track Hiring Process, an expedited hiring program that streamlines the hiring process for CBP Officer (CBPO) and Border Patrol Agent (BPA) applicants who can commit to accelerated hiring timeframes. CBP’s current average time to hire for Officers and Agents is 300 days. The Fast Track Hiring Process is aimed at reducing the time to hire to 120 days or less.

In the past, CBP has struggled meeting its CBPO and BPA hiring goals. However, in FY 2018, CBP was able to net more frontline personnel than it lost for the first time in years. This means the improvements implemented over the past few years are working. Fast Track is a CBP-wide effort to continue to improve and innovate our recruiting and hiring practices, enhance communication with and support to applicants, and speed up the timeline from application to job offer. Fast Track aims to reduce the hiring process while decreasing the number of applicants who drop out of the process, all while maintaining CBP’s rigorous hiring standards. Under the Fast Track program, applicants who agree to complete required steps in the hiring process within set timelines, can move through either the CBPO or BPA hiring process more quickly.

Interested Fast Track applicants generally possess most of the characteristics, like having no previous drug use, no current delinquent debt, limited foreign travel, no criminal history, no previously failed polygraphs or background investigations, and are willing to relocate to the southwest border. These traits make it more likely for an applicant to move through the hiring steps with little extra processing time. If you are looking for an exciting and fast-paced career safeguarding our nation’s borders, speak with a CBP recruiter who can help explain the hiring options to you – either Fast Track or our traditional hiring process.

To learn more about Fast Track, contact a recruiter, and view upcoming recruitment events, please visit CBP’s Fast Track webpages:

CBP Officer

Border Patrol Agent

If you don’t think you can commit to expedited timeframes but still want to join CBP, you may still apply to become a CBPO or BPA here.

CHICAGO— As part of Chicago CBP Mentoring Program, Customs and Border Protection Officers, CBP Explorers and their family members engaged in a local community outreach event with the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) program on October 20 in Schaumburg, IL.

During this 2-hour event, the team of volunteer’s hand packed rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which were then sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to the neediest children around the world.

“This was a great opportunity for members of our CBP family to unite around a worthy cause and make a big impact for children in need through such small personal sacrifice – just two hours of our time,” Matthew Davies, Chicago Area Port Director, said.  “I am continually humbled to be part of such a caring and dedicated group of individuals.”

A total of 50 volunteers participated packing 246 boxes, which will provide 53,136 meals and feed 146 kids for a year.

Minneapolis– A CBP booth staffed by Duluth OFO Chicago, Grand Portage OFO Seattle, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Pigeon River were on hand to answer questions at the 2019 Duluth Boat, Sports & Travel Show held at the Duluth Entertainment Center from February 13-17.

The officers answered more than 400 questions from the audience. The vast majority of questions and comments from the public were in regards to entry into Canada.  CBSA fielded questions from travelers concerning; new marijuana regulations, transiting Canada with a firearm, crossing remotely, and entering Canada with a DUI conviction.

Reporting Offsite Arrival via Mobile was the second most popular inquiry due largely to the fact that Crane Lake, MN Port of Entry is closed and I-68’s are being phased out in the Seattle Field Office. There were also considerable interest in document requirements for traveling both north and south of the border.

“Educating the public on laws and regulations will enhance their experience and yield a substantial return for us as we work to facilitate legitimate travel,” said CBP Area Port Director for Minneapolis Port of Entry, Augustine Moore.

Attendance at the boat show was an overall success. CBP’s presence along with CBSA was appreciated by the public with many people saying thank you for your service as well as other well wishes.

Due to the large audience and the amount of questions, CBP may attend this event next year.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – On March 2, U.S. Border Patrol Agents from the Buffalo Sector participated in the 2019 Flag Football Snow Bowl at New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills. The Snow Bowl consisted of 48 teams and the proceeds benefited the Special Olympics of New York.  As the top fundraising team for the second year in a row the Special Olympics gifted them twelve tickets with on-field access including limousine transportation to an upcoming Buffalo Bills game.

The Border Patrol Team graciously donated their gift to the 2nd top fundraising team after hearing a player’s son is battling medical issues in hopes to lift the boy’s spirts.

 “The kindness and compassion from the men and women of Buffalo Sector represent the Border Patrol’s dedication to serving their communities and country, said Chief Patrol Agent Eduardo Payan.

Buffalo Sector is responsible for securing the water border between ports of entry in New York and Pennsylvania encompassing 341 linear maritime border miles.  The assistance of citizens is invaluable to their border security mission and they welcome community members to help them keep our nation’s borders safe and report suspicious activity at 1-800-331-0353.

For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPBuffalo

EDINBURG, Texas – On March 2, the Brownsville Border Patrol (BRP) Border Community Liaison (BCL) proudly participated in the Charro Days Fiesta Parade in Brownsville, TX.  Men and women wore traditional Charro outfits and rode strutting horses. Onlookers smiled, cheered and waved as Border Patrol’s resources such as BRP’s Bike Unit, ATV’s, Riverine Vessels, and the Horse Patrol Unit cruised past them.

On February 28, the Falfurrias Station (FLF) hosted members of the community for their monthly Community Partnership Meeting. At the event, Patrol Agent in Charge Thomas W. Slowinski introduced Rio Grande Valley Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch to community members in attendance. Key members of the community were present and appreciative for the opportunity to speak directly to the chief and have their questions addressed.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

Calais, Maine – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Calais Station developed a unique pilot program that provides training to local school officials in the use of Individual First Aid kits (IFAKS). These kits contain basic medical equipment capable of treating massive bleeding and maintaining an airway in an emergency situation.   

The training program allows Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to provide hands-on training to area teachers and school staff members.  The curriculum is centered on the use and deployment of an IFAK. In the hands of a trained individual, these kits can make the difference in saving a life during an emergency incident.   

“By partnering with the schools, this IFAK training will provide potential lifesaving skills to school staff members,” said Houlton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.  "The hope is to increase survivability rates following any sort of mass casualty incident at the local schools.”

This familiarization course is provided free of charge and has trained 51 teachers and staff members at the Princeton and Calais School Districts.  Calais Station EMTs will return to Princeton again this month to continue with the IFAK familiarization.

MASSENA, N.Y.  - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Massena Port of Entry participated in a local bottle drive and donated returnable bottles and cans to the local St. Lawrence Steel 14U Tier II Boys Hockey Team.

The St. Lawrence Steel hockey team is headed to the USA Hockey National Tournament to be held in South Bend, Indiana from April 3-8. “There are many life lessons learned through winning, losing, and the hard work to get to top competitions. We try and help whenever possible.” said CBPO Scott McCracken. The team consists of players from Potsdam, Massena, Canton, Brasher Falls, Norwood, Ft. Covington, Ogdensburg, Saranac Lake and Watertown, NY. 

“This is an exciting time for kids and a small way we can give back to surrounding communities and support our youth.” said Port Director Robert Dwyer.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPBuffalo

MINNEAPOLIS— U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Minneapolis participated in an Honor Flight to salute veterans returning from a one-day visit in Washington D.C. to Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on April 27.

There were military personnel from every branch of service standing at attention to salute the returning Veterans as they exited the gate. One of those saluting the returning veterans was military veteran CBP Officer Karol Strey. “These Veterans were willing to die for our country,” said Strey. “They gave up time with their family and friends. They gave up the very basic comforts of home while being in the military.” 

The University of Minnesota band and the Twin Cities Metro Pipes band played music, and the Freedom Riders were there with their flags, while family and friends displayed patriotic signs. 

MSP estimated close to 300 people participated in the welcoming home to honor these veterans.  “Many of the veterans returning on the Honor Flights are veterans from World War II, and there aren’t many of them still living. Time is running out to honor and salute them,” said Strey.  “I think I can give up a little bit of my time to show them my appreciation and thank them for their sacrifices.”

The Honor Flight is a non-profit organization. The organization transports Veterans of World War II and Korean War to Washington, DC to visit their memorials. This flight is done twice a year from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport to Washington, DC. The next flight is scheduled for October.

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will host a media academy for credentialed members of the media at the Port of Nogales on May 30, 2019 at 8 a.m. to provide media outlets background on OFOs distinct role and responsibilities and overall mission.

Office of Field Operations is responsible for safeguarding America's borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation's global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel at international land borders, sea ports, and airports.    

The academy program is designed to provide assignment editors and reporters an inside look into securing the border and becoming familiar with CBPs, Office of Field Operations mission, and participate in interactive demonstrations at the Port of Nogales.  RSVP at your earliest convenience since spots are limited. 

MEDIA NOTE: Credentialed media representatives planning to attend must RSVP no later than 2 p.m., May 23, 2019, to Supervisor Hugo Nunez at Hugo.A.Nunez@cbp.dhs.gov or 520-397-2013. NOTE: All attending media representatives must comply with CBP’s port-access security protocol that requires emailing vetting information -- full name, date of birth and entry document number such as U.S. Passport, and last four digits of social security number.

PHARR, Texas — On Thursday, May 30, 2019, Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector Headquarters recognized the importance of higher education and awarded this year’s Youth of the Year recipients at a ceremony held at the Pharr Events Center in Pharr, Texas. The Mayor of the City of Pharr, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, matched the Border Patrol’s scholarship donation of $15,000.00, making this year’s scholarship ceremony a record with over $30,000.00 awarded to the students.

Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol presented seniors from 10 high schools with the prestigious Youth of the Year Scholarship. For the last nine years, the Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol has proudly recognized outstanding high school seniors for their excellent academic achievements and significant community service. The Honorable Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez was the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Hernandez congratulated the students on their outstanding academic achievements, service to community, and delivered an inspirational message to the students – “We should never forget the sacrifices made by parents every morning across the Rio Grande Valley. It is easy to overlook the lack of sleep some parents experience as they wake up early to ensure their children are ready for school, or when they stay up late to make sure they complete their assignments. The same parents that once grabbed their little ones hands to start their first day of school are the same that woke them up today to make sure they were on time to this ceremony. Now, they are all grown up. The recipients being recognized are our future and I work for them. I, along with the City of Pharr, promise them and their parents that we will work as hard as they do towards a bright future.”

“There are so many different emotions pulling on families as they prepare for college and the expenses associated with going off to school. This scholarship provides a small relief to students to jump start their educational endeavors and we are proud to work with community partners who continually invest in students alongside the Border Patrol,” said Communications Director Irma Chapa.

This year, the students were awarded with a $3,000.00 scholarship, a proclamation from U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, a gift card from Top Golf and a gift bag from the RGV Partnership.

Youth of the Year Recipients:

• Ariel R. Garcia, San Benito High School
• Melissa Lugo, PSJA Early College High School
• Jonathan Sherchand, Donna North High School
• Victoria Mena, Weslaco East High School
• Astrid Villarreal, The Science Academy of South Texas
• Joshua Loya, La Joya Early College High School
• Oscar Eliceo Hernandez, Lopez Early College High School
• Will Scogin, Lyford High School
• Catherine Perez, San Isidro High School
• David Silva, Edinburg High School

For more information about Border Patrol’s Head of the Class Program or Youth of the Year Scholarship, please contact Special Operations Supervisor Victor Cardenas at 956-289-5647.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Fort Brown Border Patrol Explorer Post 975 assisted the City of Brownsville with their Second Annual Save A Life – Learn Hands Only CPR &  Choking Rescue Event. 

On Saturday, June 1, 2019, Fort Brown Explorer Post 975 volunteered their time to the City of Brownsville to assist with hands only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations for participants wanting to learn a basic lifesaving technique. The event, held at the Brownsville Sports Park, was free to the public and featured testimonies from people who had used these techniques to save lives.

During the event, Border Patrol Agent David Anderson shared a story of a U.S. Navy Corpsman who provided chest-only compressions to a U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant for an hour and fifteen minutes as the sergeant was transported to a medical facility and ultimately saved his life. Agent Anderson challenged the explorers to beat the time and commitment of the Navy Corpsman. Of those that participated, only Special Explorer Supervisor Anthony Lozano successfully completed the challenge.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

MINNEAPOLIS— CBP officers in Minneapolis welcomed back a D-day veteran hero who was inducted into the French Legion of Honor by President Macron during the 75th D Day Anniversary for his service in WWII.

Mr. Willard LaCounte and his daughter returned from Paris on June 12, and CBP welcomed him back to the United States by making a public service announcement on the arriving aircraft and in the terminal to thank him for his service. 

The port was contacted by Emilio Sierra, Liaison Officer, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at U.S. Embassy in Paris. Officer Sierra requested port courtesy assistance for Mr. LaCounte.

The Minneapolis CBP management team met Mr. LaCounte and his daughter at the arrival gate. Due to an injury during his trip to France, wheelchair assistance was provided. Mr. LaCounte fell a week ago getting off a ferry from the United Kingdom and broke his hip. Despite having surgery on June 4, this true hero made it to the ceremony in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on June 6, traveling by ambulance from the hospital in Cherbourg, France and sitting in the front row directly next to the podium. Mr. LaCounte landed in Normandy on June 7, 1944.

CBP escorted Mr. LaCounte and his daughter through the CBP inspection process, to the TSA security checkpoint for their connecting flight to Montana. Passengers showed their appreciation by clapping and thanking him for his service. 

OSHKOSH, Wis.– On Saturday July 27, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) UH-60 Black Hawk crew will take to the sky over Oshkosh, to give several area children the ride of a lifetime.

Each year, AMO partners with EAA and Make-A-Wish® to bring the joy of aviation to five Wisconsin area families.  The families will receive a tour of the control tower, an aerial tour in a Black Hawk with AMO, as well as other opportunities. AMO’s Pipes and Drums Corps will be at EAA AirVenture, and recruiters, pilots and crews will be on hand to answer aviation questions.

AMO’s UH-60s fly with a minimum crew of three, and are large, powerful helicopters that can carry all the equipment and personnel necessary for a wide variety of operations.

AMO uses the UH-60 to conduct search and rescue operations, law enforcement operations, and for humanitarian efforts during natural disasters.

Visit AMO in the International Federal Pavilion, Exhibit Hangar D, at EAA AirVenture, where they will also have an ASTAR helicopter and Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft on display.