Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reached a significant milestone this spring, announcing that it has broken its staffing records with a total of 21,471 agents. This number marks the most agents the agency has ever had in its 102-year history, and agency leadership has stated plans to continue growing its workforce.
Human Resources Management Assistant Commissioner Andrea Bright expressed pride and commitment to the agency's mission, stating that surpassing 21,000 agents is a milestone, but the agency isn't stopping there. Bright emphasized the agency's focus on attracting top talent and providing the necessary tools and resources to support its agents.
The staffing record comes at a time when immigration levels have significantly decreased under President Donald Trump's administration, with a drop of more than 87% from levels in October 2024. The Trump administration's efforts to address border security have been bolstered by significant funding, including $64 billion and $26 billion for CBP through two recent bills.
The agency has worked to improve salaries, benefits, and hiring incentives, with some agents eligible for up to $60,000 in certain locations. Additionally, CBP officials have expressed a desire to attract talent from former U.S. servicemembers, with U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rosario Vasquez highlighting the effectiveness of the agency's recruitment efforts.
Vasquez expressed optimism about the record-breaking staffing levels, stating that they demonstrate the agency's progress toward building a stronger workforce. The agency's goal is to reach 25,000 agents, which will further enhance its ability to protect borders and serve the nation.
