The Ramey Border Patrol Sector is just one of 21 Border Patrol sectors across the United States and its territories. Border Patrol jobs at the Ramey Border Patrol Sector, which encompasses Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are quite unique, as it is the only Border Patrol Sector not located within the continental United States.
The Ramey Border Patrol Sector consists entirely of coastline, including about 6,000 square miles of both land and water, as well as the 12-mile band of water that surrounds the islands. The areas included in the Ramey Sector include the islands of Culebra and Vieques in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Ramey Border Patrol Sector, which is part of the Coastal Border Sector, employed 68 Border Patrol professionals in FY2011 (The Coastal Border Sector employed a total of 232 Border Patrol professionals during the same period.).
Border Patrol professionals in the Ramey Border Patrol Sector were responsible for 642 apprehensions in FY2011. They also seized 1,223 pounds of marijuana and 958 pounds of cocaine during this time.
Border Patrol jobs in Ramey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has taken on new significance since the events of September 11, 2001. Now, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Border Patrol professionals now have the vital role of protecting our nation’s borders and territories from terrorists and terroristic activities.
Border Patrol Jobs in the Ramey, Puerto Rico Sector
Due to the unique geographical challenges of patrolling the islands of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Ramey Sector has a very active maritime enforcement operation, which is supported by an air operations unit. Therefore, Border Patrol jobs in the Ramey Sector are likely focused on the following careers:
Air & Marine Interdiction Agents: Air and Marine Interdiction Agents have fought narcotics and human smuggling in the Southern border, the Caribbean region, and certain zones in South and Central America for nearly 40 years, although the A&M agents of the CBP now also provide critical air and marine law enforcement, investigation, and surveillance in areas such as counter-terrorism, anti-money laundering efforts, weapons smuggling, and intelligence operations.
CBP Officers: CBP officers are federal law enforcement officers that work at any of the country’s international airports, seaports, or land border crossings. CBP officers provide the first line of defense against illegal entry into the United States and prevent criminal activities, such as drug smuggling, money laundering, and weapons trafficking.
Border Patrol Agents: Border Patrol Agents are a vital aspect of the CBP, as they are tasked with preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. They also prevent the unlawful entry into the United States and apprehend individuals who break immigration laws.
To achieve a career in the CBP, candidates must meet specific Border Patrol job requirements. In particular, they must: be a U.S. citizen; hold U.S. residency for at least 3 years; possess a current and valid U.S. driver’s license; and have no convictions of domestic violence on record.
All CBP candidates must also pass a background and credit check, and they must pass a physical fitness test and a polygraph test. All positions in the CBP include federal government benefits, such as: federal government health insurance benefits; long-term care insurance; life insurance; and retirement benefits, including a 401K plan.
Ramey, Puerto Rico Sector
The Ramey Sector includes the area of Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands and has just one station located in Ramey, Puerto Rico. The Ramey Border Patrol Station was established in 1987 and is the only Border Patrol Station located outside of the continental United States.