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U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Wednesday that the U.S. Border Patrol has reached its highest staffing level in the agency’s 102-year history, surpassing 21,000 active agents.
CBP said the agency now employs 21,471 Border Patrol agents, marking a record workforce as officials continue efforts to expand staffing along the nation’s borders.
“This record-setting achievement highlights the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts,” Border Patrol Chief Pete Vasquez said in a statement. “We are building a stronger workforce every day, and our progress toward 25,000 agents will further enhance our ability to protect our borders and serve the nation.”
The agency said the milestone follows increased funding through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which officials say has boosted recruiting efforts and attracted more applicants, including veterans and military family members. Border Patrol also offers hiring incentives of up to $60,000 for new agents assigned to eligible locations.
“Our focus is on bringing in top talent and supporting our agents so they can succeed,” CBP Office of Human Resources Management Assistant Commissioner Andrea Bright said.
“Surpassing 21,000 agents is a milestone, but we aren’t stopping here and are committed to growing our workforce and providing the tools and resources needed for CBP’s mission,” she added.
CBP said it continues working toward its goal of expanding the Border Patrol workforce to 25,000 agents as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security.
Immigration has fallen dramatically during President Trump’s first year and a half back in office, with border crossings dropping by more than 87 percent compared to October 2024 levels.
Congressional Republicans have reinforced the administration’s immigration agenda by providing significant new funding for the agency through Trump’s signature Big Beautiful Bill, as well as additional legislation to finance the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of his term.
Together, the two measures allocated $64 billion and $26 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Much of the funding in the latter package is designated to expand the agency’s workforce.
