The Immigration Agent basic training course is 17-week residential program and includes instruction in both academics and physical training. These officers must be knowledgeable of human rights conditions around the world and possess a keen insight into human behavior in order to determine the creditability and consistency of information elicited through interviews they conduct. Competition is required to move to higher grade levels. It also acts as the primary drug-interdicting agency along all U.S. land borders. These positions are located along all U.S. land borders throughout the country.
Competition is required to move to higher grade levels.
Immediately upon entering on duty, all new Border Patrol Agents are sent to the Border Patrol Academy to complete a 19-week residential basic training program. This program is academically and physically challenging and designed to prepare them for their initial assignment to duty stations along the southwest border of the United States and Mexico. The course of study includes immigration and nationality law, criminal law, statutory authority, Spanish, firearms, driver training, physical techniques, and Border Patrol operations. Upon graduation from the Border Patrol Academy and return to their duty post, trainee agents will also be required to participate in a six-month Post Academy training program. Aliens being detained and escorted represent a wide variety of individuals from countries all around the world who are subject to exclusion and deportation proceedings.