Border protection officers prevent people, drugs, and weapons from entering the United States illegally.

Border protection officers monitor US land borders. Generally, they:

• Examine passports and visas
• Detect and prevent the smuggling of people or drugs
• Explain laws and regulations to travelers, immigrants, and manufacturers

The border has many official crossings where officers work. They monitor people and goods as they enter the country. They talk to pedestrians and drivers and examine their passports or other required paperwork.

Officers question people in-depth if they think they are attempting to bring something illegal into the country. Most of the time, however, officers work with people who are following laws and regulations.

Border protection officers use many methods to watch the border including:

• Infrared scopes
• Low-light TV systems
• Plane or drone surveillance
• Electronic sensors activated by motion, body heat, or weight

Sometimes, officers provide care for people who are trying to cross the border who are too thirsty, hungry, or ill to travel any further. They evaluate each situation and determine the best way to respond.