Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broken staffing records this spring, reaching 21,471 agents — the most in the agency’s 102-year history. Agency leadership has said it has plans to go further.
Staffing Record
“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,” Human Resources Management Assistant Commissioner Andrea Bright said in a statement.
The staffing record adds another benchmark for assessing the seriousness with which the Trump administration is addressing border security. Immigration levels have dropped precipitously in President Donald Trump’s first year and a half back in office, decreasing more than 87% from levels in October 2024.
Workforce Growth
CBP has worked to include competitive salaries, benefits, and hiring incentives that can reach upwards of $60,000 for agents in eligible locations. The agency has hopes to attract talent from former U.S. servicemembers.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rosario Vasquez believes the record-breaking staffing levels are evidence that those efforts are paying off. “This record-setting achievement highlights the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts,” Vasquez said.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.