The United States Border Patrol has seen a sharp rise in applications to become officers since President Donald Trump‘s return to office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Tuesday.
The first three months of the new administration saw a 44 percent increase in Border Patrol applications compared to the same period last year, according to CBP.
Why It Matters
Resources and funding have been short for immigration enforcement agencies in recent years at a time when record numbers of illegal crossings were reported along the U.S.-Mexico border. Now, CBP is reporting near-record lows in illegal border crossings.
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What To Know
CBP said that January through April saw the highest number of applications for the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) in its history, at 34,650. The Border Patrol was established in 1924.
In its announcement, CBP attributed the rise to a “renewed national commitment” to securing the border following Trump’s January 20 inauguration. Border crossings have fallen significantly in recent months, continuing a downward trend that began in June 2024 under President Joe Biden.
In April, 8,383 illegal crossings were recorded by CBP, slightly up from the 7,181 in March, but far lower than the 128,895 reported in April 2024.
The Border Patrol currently offers a $20,000 recruitment incentive, with an additional $10,000 if an officer accepts a remote position. The amount was increased in early 2024, at a time when border crossings were at an all-time high and CBP was stretched as officers sought to detain people between ports of entry and were required to look after hundreds of new arrivals in temporary shelters.
Trump’s focus on border security has included deputizing local law enforcement to assist in arrests of illegal immigrants, along with creating a new military zone along a section of the southwest border.
CBP said its increase in recruitment was in part a result of more targeted outreach and a growing interest from veterans and police officers wanting to use their skills along the border.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, in a press release: “The continued surge in applications speaks volumes about the pride and purpose Americans see in joining the U.S. Border Patrol. We thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership and commitment to strengthening our workforce and mission readiness.”
What Happens Next
Republicans in Congress are looking to provide CBP and its internal counterpart, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with billions more dollars in funding, as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on illegal immigration.