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U.S. Customs and Border Protection will temporarily suspend SENTRI/DCL processing at the Paso Del Norte international crossing from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. March 2. The short disruption is necessary to provide a safe return route for runners competing in the annual International 10K race which is being held that morning and concludes at the top of the PDN bridge.
To accommodate any traffic that would regularly use the PDN trusted traveler lane CBP will open the SENTRI/DCL lanes at the neighboring Stanton Street bridge earlier than normal. The Stanton SENTRI/DCL lane will open at 6 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. for that morning only. At 10 a.m. normal SENTRI/DCL processing at the PDN crossing will resume.
During the race the east side vehicle inspection lanes will also be closed to enhance participant safety. All other PDN traffic and pedestrian lanes will remain open during the event. Members of the traveling public should plan accordingly.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the West Texas and New Mexico region have apprehended more than 12 migrants this week with previous criminal convictions and/or criminal histories, attempting to enter the country illegally through the El Paso Sector area of responsibility.
Migrants with criminal convictions encountered by El Paso Sector agents include aggravated felons such as sex offenders, child predators and drug traffickers. Additional offenses include illegal possession of firearms, assault, domestic violence, and burglary. Some of the migrants encountered have gang or Mexican Drug Cartel affiliations.
Migrants were either identified through criminal records checks or self-admitted to violent cartel and/or gang affiliations. Many are associated to murders, kidnappings and extorsions among other criminal activities from Mexico, Colombia Venezuela and El Salvador. These criminal organizations include La Linea, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Artistas Asesinos, Cartel de Los Soles, and MS-13.
All these offenders are facing criminal prosecution under Title 8 and will be formally removed from the U.S.
“El Paso Sector agents work tirelessly to protect our border communities. Many times, our agents encounter migrants entering illegally into the United States who were previously removed with previous criminal convictions,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good. “Most of the time these individuals know, if arrested by Border Patrol, they will face incarceration once again. Therefore, they attempt to evade arrest. We continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold these criminals accountable.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that the Direct-Hire Authority to hire 200 air interdiction agents has been extended through Jan. 30, 2026.
“Air interdiction agents conduct airborne surveillance to detect and deter the movements of illegal narcotics and the trafficking of human beings across our borders,” said Executive Assistant Commissioner for Air and Marine Operations Jonathan P. Miller. “Our agents work in collaboration with our partners at CBP and dozens of international, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to safeguard our homeland, support search and rescue activities, and conduct security missions for events designated as National Special Security Events, such as the recent Super Bowl.”
The air interdiction agent position is open to pilots with a minimum of 1,500 flight hours (500 hours can be waived), including 250 pilot-in-command, 75 hours of instrument time, and 75 nighttime hours. For more information on qualifications, review qualifications specific to an air interdiction agent on the CBP website.
“The extended hiring authority allows us to compete with the aviation community by having the ability to offer on-the-spot tentative job offers to candidates who have been deemed qualified through the screening process,” said Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources Management Andrea Bright. “With CBP’s Air and Marine Operations, pilots appreciate greater job security and competitive benefits, along with the opportunity to fly multiple platforms and protect their community and nation.”
Air interdiction agent applicants undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure their eligibility and suitability for employment in a CBP law enforcement position. Additionally, they must pass a three-part flight assessment – an oral exam, a flight evaluation, and a structured interview – conducted over the course of a single day at the National Air Training Center in Oklahoma City. Applicants then proceed to a 15-week Air and Marine Basic Training Program at the Air and Marine Operations Academy, located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
Visit the Apply Now page to submit an air interdiction agent application or connect with an Air and Marine Operations recruiter.
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