Located within the Buffalo, New York Sector, the Niagara Falls, New York Border Patrol Station is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP). One of the oldest border patrol stations in the U.S., the Niagara Falls station’s employees are responsible for covering 73.2 miles of international border between Canada and the United States, and 523 square miles of rugged terrain.
The Niagara Falls Station was originally established in the early 1920s in response to attempted smuggling of alcohol and moonshine during the Prohibition Era. Today, smuggling attempts across the Canadian-American border include illegal persons as well as illegal drugs. Border Patrol jobs at the Niagara Falls Station involve guarding our international border to the north and keeping U.S. citizens safe by preventing these and other crimes.
Border Crimes in Niagara Falls, New York
After September 11, 2001, Border Patrol Agents had to be on high alert at all stations, including the Niagara Falls Station. Because of an increased number of agents and border patrol employees working in the area, Niagara Falls Station employees have prevented more crimes along the Canadian-American border. They include:
- Illegal aliens being smuggled across the Niagara River on inflatable rafts
- Drug mules trying to illegally enter the U.S. under the Whirlpool Bridge
- Larger boats containing narcotics trying to enter the U.S.
- Larger boats carrying illegal aliens attempting to gain entrance to the U.S.
Border Crossings in Niagara Falls, New York
There are three international Ports of Entry (POE) within the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station:
- Rainbow Bridge: This crossing connects the tourist areas of Niagara Falls, NY with Niagara Falls, Ontario.It accommodates pedestrians and vehicles except for commercial trucks. 18 car lanes go into the U.S. and 15 car lanes into Canada. (Tour bus lanes are designated and may change).
- Whirlpool Bridge: This crossing connects the downtown areas of Niagara Falls, NY with Niagara Falls, Ontario. Travelers across this bridge must be subscribed to NEXUS, a pre-approved clearance program. Commercial vehicles such as trucks may not use this bridge.
- Lewiston-Queenston Bridge: This crossing is designed for vehicles only and does not accommodate pedestrians. There are seven car lanes and four truck lanes going into the United States, and six car lanes and three truck lanes going into Canada.
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Niagara Falls, New York
There are many jobs available in the Border Patrol field in addition to Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers on the front lines of customs and immigration investigations. Other jobs that may be available in the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station area include:
- Field Canine Coordinator: This position requires working in a leadership position with Transportation Security Specialists at mass transit and border crossing areas. It oversees training of the Explosion Detection Canine Team (EDCT), manages 15 to 30 canine teams daily, conducts trainings and certifications of Transportation Specialists working with canines, and much more. Requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Pass a background investigation
- Obtain and maintain Secret Clearance
- Pass drug and alcohol initial screening and random tests
- One year of federal experience at a GS-12 level or equivalent specialized experience in the private sector, including working with explosive detecting canines and administration of teams handling canines
- Marine Interdiction Agent: These law enforcement agents patrol the waters along the international border with Canada. Their responsibilities include preventing illegal entry of aliens, drugs, weapons and other smuggled goods via water. They conduct anti-terrorist operations as part of their jobs and handle weapons and firearms.
- U.S. citizenship
- Pass background investigation
- Pass drug test
- Pass a physical exam
- Apply before age 40
- Marine and/or law enforcement experience preferred but not required