CBP Officer

CBP Officer

CBPGuy

7 Years Experience

SouthWest, US

Male, 25

I am a U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officer on the southwest border between Mexico and the United States. I know the ins and outs of the job as seen on TV/News and things intentionally hidden from the media! There's more to this job than "Anything to declare?" I dont know all but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have! All answers are my opinion, and my opinion only!

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

220 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

Hey CBP guy, first i'd like to thank you for you service. I am currently going through the application process and was wondering what your typical day looks like? Thanks

Asked by Cjb over 9 years ago

Every port has different duties. Our primary assignments are at the Ports of Entry conducting primary and secondary processing. However, there are many details that are outside of that. Traffic stops, drug/money runs, prisoner transport etc.The airport can get fairly boring. For the first several years of your career, you will be posted at "Primary" where you either grant admission to alien's (Entry for US Citizens) or refer suspect individuals for further scrutiny. 

Once you have a few years on your belt, you can bid for a secondary position. This is where you will be determining with you will allow someone to enter the United States or return them back to their home country. 

There are also other specialty teams where you patrol the airport in vehicles, perform hot stops, interview subjects etc. Those positions, however, are few far and between at airports.

The agency says there are a lot of career advancement opportunities once you've hit GS-12..I was wondering if you have found that to be true, and what career path most officers transfer to? Is a transfer to the FBI out of the question?

Asked by micole14 over 9 years ago

It is very true about the advancements after hitting GS-12. Within CBP, we have intelligence units, teams that work alongside JTTF, foreign liaison assignments, Field Trainer, and so much more.

You cannot "transfer" to FBI. You would have to apply like a normal citizen applying, you would just have a leg up with this law enforcement experience and current federal employment. I have seen several colleagues get hired for Secret Service, DEA, FBI, and HSI.

I had asked earlier if I can withdraw AOS &apply TN visa as Computer Systems Analyst. You answered yes and that the withdrawal will not hinder my application for non-immigrant status. Q: How long USCIS (TX office) to update records for withdrawal. Tk

Asked by Gurmail over 9 years ago

I have no experience with that, however I can imagine that it will be quite some time. Your best bet would be to contact that USCIS office to gather more information.

I was told that official traveler histories specifically interrogations are confidential. Would my attorney be able to subpoena such records from a third party for a pending legal case? (i.e. perhaps via FOIA).

Asked by BruceyB. over 9 years ago

I am not entirely sure when it comes to what can and cannot be subpoena'd. What I've been told is that anything related to the systems we use and the intelligence that is gathered cannot be used in court for "national security purposes". But again, I'm not completely sure.

If an irish illegal left via the Canada or Mexican border to go home. What would the consciences if they tried to re-enter from eg. Ireland or england

Asked by Dave about 10 years ago

It is likely that when you re-enter, the system would alert the officer that you were a previous "Over stay". At that time, your visa will be canceled under 222(g), you will then be processed as an Expedited Removal, charged with 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) and barred from the US for a minimum of 5 years.

What's up with the recent news stories about CBP officers asking Muslims about their religion and their thoughts about Donald Trump? Would this be considered religious profiling? Is this allowed, and if so, what is the purpose of these questions?

Asked by sstevens over 9 years ago

One thing I will say from personal experience, I had to hold someone for about 45 minutes before I was able to clear him in our system. His name was similar to a convicted felon wanted for child endangerment. My job was to determine if this person in front of me was the same person who was wanted. I cordially explained to him why he was back there and what I was trying to accomplish. He was very friendly and thanked me for doing what I was doing. About 4 days later, I read a news article that and this person was on it. He told the news outlet that he was locked in a room for 2 hours, denied food and water, and was treated like a criminal. I couldn't believe it! I treat everyone with professionally and with respect, this person even acknowledged it, and yet here he is in the paper saying all of this.

Needless to say, the news, or the person being interviewed, may not always portray the accurate truth.

To answer your question as best I can, we are not legally allowed to make a determination based on religion. It is against the law for anyone (CBP, local police, even an employer) to make a decision based on religion.

Can you go into more detail about the hiring process? For example, do you get paid while at the academy? Is housing paid for or is it an out-of-pocket expense? What are some advantages provided to veterans?

Asked by Mando over 9 years ago

You are paid every day that you are at the job. When you are hired, you go to your assigned port for "Pre-Academy". During this Pre-Academy time your doing mostly clerical work. You are filling out paperwork for your health benefits, TSP (401k), etc. You are also doing online training courses that help you prepare for the job. You are also doing tours of the port and watching officers work. Every port has their Pre-Academy set up differently. Housing is not paid for while your at the port for Pre Academy.

At the academy, you work Monday through Friday with varying start times, but all are only 8 hours a day. You are paid during all the training hours. You sleep in a dorm which is provided by the agency and you eat the meals at the cafeteria, which is also paid for by the agency. All books, supplies, and uniforms are provided by the agency. You really only need to bring a pair of running shoes, boots, shoe polish, toiletries, and off training clothes. You are only allowed to wear the academy's uniform in the gym (on or off training hours).

For Veterans, your given Veterans preference points up to 5 points, i believe, for the initial written test.