Customs and Border Protection Officers in Homeland Security
Overview
Customs and Border Protection Officers in Homeland Security protect the United States by inspecting travelers, vehicles, and cargo that cross the border or arrive at airports and seaports. They review passports, visas, and shipping documents, run database checks, and physically inspect baggage and containers to find illegal drugs, weapons, fake products, and undeclared money or goods. These officers also make critical legal decisions, such as detaining people who break immigration or customs laws, calculating taxes on imported items, and working with other law enforcement agencies to build cases that can stand up in federal court.
Did you know?
Candidates must pass extensive background investigations and maintain security clearances due to the sensitive nature of border security work.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
- Investigate applications for duty refunds and petition for remission or mitigation of penalties when warranted.
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
Career Considerations
Security Clearance Requirements
Candidates must pass extensive background investigations and maintain security clearances due to the sensitive nature of border security work.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires physical fitness, ability to work in various weather conditions, and readiness for potentially dangerous situations at ports of entry.
Federal Benefits and Job Security
Officers receive comprehensive federal benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and strong job security as part of the federal workforce.