Laredo, Texas– On March 16, 2016, The Laredo Sector Border Patrol honored 10 local seniors for the prestigious Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Month Award.    The ceremony was hosted by United High School.

For more than 28 years, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol “Youth of the Month” program has recognized Laredo’s top high school students. Each month, one student is selected from the Laredo-area high schools as Border Patrol Youth of the Month.  At the end of the school year, the ten Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the Youth of the Year award.

Cutline: (LtR: Standing): Border Community Liaison Agent Cynthia Canales; Marina Cano - R & T Martin High School; Monica Garza-Hovel - St. Augustine High School; Adan Rodriguez - Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies; Pauline Davila - United High School; Magdaly Mandujano - United South High School; Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens; (Sitting): Carlos Alvarado- Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School; Merari Roman Morales- J.B. Alexander High School; Keilah Belen Granados- J.W. Nixon High School; Gerardo Landa - Lyndon B. Johnson High School

“I have no doubt you will be successful in any career path you decide on.  I congratulate you on all your accomplishments and more importantly thank your teachers and parents for they are the unsung heroes,” said Deputy Chief Jason Owens.

The following students were chosen for this award:

March Youth of the Month Recipients :

• Carlos Alvarado- Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School
• Merari Roman Morales- J.B. Alexander High School
• Keilah Belen Granados- J.W. Nixon High School
• Gerardo Landa - Lyndon B. Johnson High School
• Marina Cano - R & T Martin High School
• Adan Rodriguez - Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies
• Monica Garza-Hovel - St. Augustine High School
• Pauline Davila - United High School
• Magdaly Mandujano - United South High School
• Daniela Beckelhymer- Laredo Early College High School at TAMIU

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations announces the initiation of a Law Enforcement Explorer Program at the Sweetgrass, Montana Port of Entry. The Area Port of Sweetgrass will be hosting an open house for interested individuals on Thursday, April 7, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 17, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the end of I-15 North.

Participants in the Law Enforcement Explorer program learn about CBP’s A-Star helicopter

Law Enforcement Explorer posts offer programs in law enforcement and criminal justice, which provide Explorers with practical training and hands-on experience. The CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program provides opportunities to participate in federal law enforcement-related activities within CBP and gain awareness of federal, state, and local law enforcement career paths. The program also offers opportunities for character building, good citizenship, and fitness. CBP has posts at ports of entry as well as border patrol stations.

Del Bonita Port Director Raylee Johnson, who is the local post advisor, states, “There is no other youth program like this one when it comes to having fun and developing self-confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime. Graduates from other explorer programs have achieved their goals of becoming federal law enforcement officers with CBP, FBI, U.S. Secret Service or officers with local law enforcement agencies.”

Persons interested in attending the open house and/or participating in the Explorer Program are asked to contact Post Advisor Raylee Johnson at 406-336-2130. Additional information about this exciting program may be found at the CBP website.

CBP is committed to the partnership between law enforcement and America's youth. The CBP Explorer Program is a bridge to one of the most challenging and exciting missions in law enforcement today - the job of serving as the guardians of our nation's borders, America's frontline.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Area Port of Jacksonville held its first ever multi-agency Take Your Child to Work Day on Friday with 10 different local and federal agencies, family members and over 40 children in attendance.

Celebrating Bring Your Child to Work Day in Jacksonville

Area Port Director Jennifer Bradshaw kicked off the day by welcoming everyone and thanking all CBP components and attending agencies for their service. Presentations commenced with CBP officers explaining to the children and families what their Moms and Dads do as CBP officers on a daily basis.  This part of the day also included presentations by CBP agriculture specialists who allowed the kids to look at insects through a microscope and look for bugs in the nearby environment.  All of this took place under the watchful eye of Officer Harry, the 9-foot-tall CBP inflatable mascot, who entertained the children.

The children moved outside to get an up-close look at various vehicles from the local fire department and boats from the U.S. Coast Guard. Activities included learning different bomb disposal techniques from the Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad and fundamental marksmanship skills during a U.S. Border Patrol presentation including a staged paintball exercise.

The children had a chance to meet K-9 units from both agriculture and the commercial cargo processing side.  The presentations included setting up suitcases to mimic the port scenario and having the beagles find fruit and other prohibited items. Detection dogs also searched for drugs, currency and firearms. 

The Take Your Child to Work Day closed out with CBP Air and Marine Operations flying a helicopter over the pier to the delight and amusement of all the children present.

“It is important that families know how hard their parents work to keep them safe on a daily basis,” said Area Port Director Bradshaw.  “Functions like these represent one of the best avenues to accomplish just that”.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations in Florida include travel and trade facilitation and securing over 1,200 miles of the coastal border. The Area Port of Jacksonville encompasses the northern part of the state all the way through the panhandle covering the ports of Panama City and Pensacola.

For news updates and to learn out more about CBP operations in Florida, follow @CBPFlorida on Twitter.

WARROAD, Minn.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) recently sponsored an outreach event on May 25 where students, ages 11-12, who are enrolled in sixth grade at Warroad’s Independent School District 690, were provided a glimpse in the day of a working CBP officer and Border Patrol agent.

Customs and Border Protection Officer Joshua Paulson provides a demonstration to sixth graders at the Warroad Port of Entry on May 25.

“The day was very educational and provided the students with a better understanding of the work performed by CBP and other federal agencies,” said Port Director Brian King. “I am hopeful that the hands-on experience provided today will spark interest for these students in considering positions in CBP or public service later in life.”

CBP Supervisory Officer Amanda Johnson welcomed the students and let them know they would partake in a facility tour, which would include some hands-on demonstrations provided by OFO and USBP staff.  The students were separated into four groups and each group attended the various demonstrations.

CBP Officer Juli Dunn provided students with a short video on the responsibilities of Customs and Border Protection Officers and Border Patrol agents as well as a tour of the port of entry.

CBP Agriculture Specialist Matthew Pendergast, from the International Falls Port of Entry, provided a look at the CBP agriculture mission and inspection process.  The demonstration included an exercise that allowed the students to find and identify “pests” in relation to safeguarding U.S. agriculture and industry.

Border Patrol Agent Tony Thortsen, a dedicated less-lethal instructor, and Border Patrol Agent Nathan McMillan provided a hands-on use of force demonstration and an inside view at what tools CBP officers and Border Patrol agents carry in the performance of duties.  The students were allowed to handle some training aids and received a tour of the firearms range, which proved to be a highlight to many of the students.

CBP Officers Joshua Paulson and Matthew Schreiner provided a demonstration of CBP’s non-intrusive technology, which included a brief description of the tools used in vehicle inspection, to include the fiber-optic scope and buster. A practical exercise was also provided where the students were given an opportunity to search a vehicle loaded with mock contraband.

The day ended with a demonstration by a USBP narcotics detection dog “Ulix.” Two K-9 demonstrations were provided by USBP K-9 Handler Seth Whitney where students were able to witness the detection of narcotics and a person hidden in the trunk of a vehicle.

The Warroad Port of Entry and Warroad Border Patrol Station look forward to this event on a yearly basis.

“These CBP officers and Border Patrol agents thoroughly enjoy this annual event and we look forward to providing insight into CBP’s frontline mission at the Warroad Port of Entry again next year,” said Port Director King.

ATLANTA– U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers and K-9 teams joined the Fayette County Georgia Cub Scouts at their annual summer camp. The theme of this year’s week long Scout camp was “Cub Scout Investigators” or “CSI” that along with CBP’s participation included law enforcement presentation by local agencies.

On Tuesday June 7, CBP officers from the Port of Atlanta’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) were joined by narcotic and agriculture K-9 teams to demonstrate to more than 100 Cub Scouts the mission of CBP and how we protect our nation’s borders.

“The Cub Scouts program is respected and known for educating our youth beyond what they learn in school,” said Devin Chamberlain, CBP’s Acting Port Director for the Port of Atlanta. “CBP’s practical demonstration regarding how we keep our country safe can make a real difference in a child’s life.

The A-TCET officers shared with the scouts valuable tools and equipment available to officers at airports, seaports and land border points across the country. The Scouts were able to see operations of the 101 X-Ray van, mobile tool truck and a marked CBP police vehicle. The interactive exhibits generated excellent questions from the Scouts and their parents, which were answered by officers.

“Man’s best friend,” i.e. CBP’s K-9 teams, were also on display providing a unique and interesting experience as the Scouts witnessed the members of the “Beagle Brigade” detected prohibited agriculture items and food products that could harm our nation. “Blesk,” the narcotic K-9, demonstrated how drugs or contraband in back packs and suitcases can be located among international travelers.

On March 1, 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection became the nation’s first comprehensive border security agency with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the nation’s boundaries and ports of entry. On a typical day, CBP seizes more than 9,000 pounds of narcotics at and between the nation’s 328 international ports of entry.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — U.S. Border Patrol agents, assigned to the Swanton, Vt., Border Patrol Sector, on Thursday donated $3,000 they raised during the 9th Annual Green Cup golf tournament to MVP Kids, a Plattsburgh, N.Y., -based charitable organization that provides opportunities for children with autism spectrum disorders to participate in team-based sporting activities.

Border Patrol hosted the Green Cup June 17 at the North Country Gold Club in Rouses Point, Vt. The Green Cup is organized by two Swanton Border Patrol agents, Special Operations Supervisor Thomas Woods and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Terry Kellison, who commit extensive off-duty hours to coordinating the annual golf tournament.

“I am very proud of our Border Patrol agents and employees who have fully committed to supporting the very children in our communities who need us most,” said John Pfeifer, Chief Patrol Agent, Swanton Border Patrol Sector.  “I am also very grateful to our local sponsors and our local partners for their kindness and generosity. Our contribution to MVP exceeded last year’s Green Cup donation by 66%. We couldn’t have done this without help from our sponsors and partners.”

Local tournament sponsors who contributed prizes and raffles include: Alburg Golf Links; the Malone Golf Club; Bluff Point Golf; and R. Deso Ready Mix Concrete.  Raffle prizes were also donated by Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Spyderco, Pizza Hut, and the New York Jets.

MVP Kids volunteers helped to operate the Green Cup tournament.

MVP Kids’ objective is to enrich the lives of children living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder through programs that encourage socialization and physical activity.  These programs promote the development of confidence, self-esteem, pride and happiness to children who may otherwise be excluded.  Throughout the year, MVP offers six-week sessions of recreational activities with a focus on team-based, non-competitive, organized athletics.

The Green Cup golf tournament is one of two charitable events Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents host annually to support MVP Kids.

In February, Patrol Agent in Charge Norm Lague of the Champlain, NY, Border Patrol station, organized and hosted the 4th annual Border Bash Hockey tournament in Rouses Point. The tournament, which included eight teams, raised $2,300 to support MVP Kids.

“These benevolent and compassionate gestures are indicative of the highest caliber of people who work for the U.S. Border Patrol,” said Pfeifer.

One objective of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Strategic Plan is to engage the public to assist us in securing America’s borders. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity in the border area to the U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-689-3362.

For more on CBP’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

I recently returned from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference. As a former police chief, I enjoy these opportunities to connect with former and current colleagues and to share CBP’s mission and perspectives about law enforcement challenges that all law enforcement agencies share. One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the chance for me to talk about a program that’s really important to me: Law Enforcement Exploring. 

Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands-on program open to young people who have completed the 6th grade through 20 years old and who are interested in a career in law enforcement or criminal justice. Exploring provides valuable training, practical experience, competitions, and many other activities. It also promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the law, physical fitness, community involvement, teamwork, and patriotism. 

Border Patrol Chief Mark Morgan and I got to meet with Explorers during the IACP Explorer Project Luncheon. At each IACP conference, the Explorers “shadow” Chiefs and Sheriffs for a day.  This year, five Border Patrol Explorers participated in the Project, along with 20 from southern California police departments. Their experience as Explorers and what they learn about law enforcement and our criminal justice system will serve them in any career field – law enforcement or otherwise. 

Local community organizations – typically law enforcement agencies – initiate an Explorer post by matching their employees and resources to the interests of the young people in their local communities. It’s imperative that law enforcement organizations – from the smallest rural hamlet to the largest urban center – commit to building trust and mutual respect between police and communities. Exploring is a great way to do that. 

CBP joined Law Enforcement Exploring in 1983. We are the largest sponsor of Explorer Posts in the country, with 72 chartered posts and more than 1,400 registered Explorers nationwide. Many of our senior leaders began their careers as Explorers. 

Law enforcement has changed a lot in the past four decades. Those changes have been driven by cultural shifts, new technologies, and a willingness to learn from our missteps and each other’s best practices. What hasn’t changed is our profound commitment to the safety and the security of the public we serve. 

There is no greater calling to really make a difference than law enforcement. And the more time I spend with Explorers, the more encouraged I am about our next generation who will answer that call. 

Explorers give all of us in law enforcement “bench strength” – because they are tomorrow’s leaders. But even if Explorers choose other career paths, the skills they develop as Explorers will serve them well in any profession – not just in law enforcement. 

As outgoing Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Exploring Committee, I encourage all young people to consider Law Enforcement Exploring, and I strongly urge every law enforcement agency to get involved in this important program.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Explorer Post 3604 recently attended Camp Wilderness near Park Rapids. The three-day event brought the International Falls post together with law enforcement Explorer posts from Grand Forks, West Fargo and Minot, North Dakota. Explorers at the camp participated in a variety of challenges aimed at strengthening confidence and team building. Activities included rock climbing, a high ropes course with zip line, and rifle shooting. International Falls was represented by Gunnar Mason, Tylor Hanson, and Nathan McRoberts.

The Explorer program is a branch of Boy Scouts of America, which allows teenagers to explore law enforcement career options. Post 3604 focuses on law enforcement and is sponsored by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Post 3604 was formed last year last year with seven students attending classes throughout the year learning about law enforcement. The seven students will be graduating on July 8 with a ceremony in Smokey Bear Park.

Explorer Post 3604 invites the public to come learn about the explorer program and to celebrate with the new graduates. The graduation ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a meet and greet beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information about the ceremony please contact CBP at 218-283-2541. For more information about the explorer program please visit: Be an Explorer With the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program.

Del RIO, Texas – The Del Rio Sector Border Patrol recently hosted the annual Explorer Academy where 29 young cadets passed an intense, week-long course in order to participate in the Explorers Program.

“The Border Patrol Explorer Program benefits our communities by positively shaping and impacting our local youth,” said Del Rio Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “I am extremely proud of our advisors and explorers for the hard work and dedication they bring to the Explorer Program.”

From June 19 through 23, senior members of the Explorer Program and their

advisors from the Del Rio Station (Post 920), Eagle Pass South Station (Post 925), and Eagle Pass Station (Post 921) mentored more than 30 children, ages 14 – 20, from nearby towns. Graduates of the week long training will be able to enter their regional Explorer Program and continue training on a weekly basis.

Comprised of daily physical workouts, classroom instruction, firearms training, and dynamic law enforcement scenarios, 29 cadets were able to successfully pass the rigorous five-day course. Of the participants, recruits from the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station took the prize as the top overall performers. Jose Flores, representing Del Rio, was awarded top male cadet for physical training. Top female cadet for physical training was won by Lesley Castañeda of the Eagle Pass South team. Participants also competed in firearms shooting where top marksmen honors were earned by Hector Felan from the Eagle Pass South squad and Hannah Hudak from Del Rio.

The Explorer Program, founded in 1973, introduces young adults to the life of a Border Patrol agent and gives them a better understanding of law enforcement as a career choice. As the largest such program in the nation, participants in the program are exposed to a variety of skill sets from dedicated and qualified instructors.

DEL RIO, Texas - La Patrulla Fronteriza del Sector Del Rio inició recientemente la Academia Explorer anual, donde 29 jóvenes cadetes pasaron un intenso curso de una semana para participar en el Programa Explorers.

"El Programa de Explors de la Patrulla Fronteriza beneficia a nuestras comunidades dando forma positiva e impactando a nuestra juventud local," dijo Matthew J. Hudak, Sub-Jefe Adjunto del Sector Del Rio. "Estoy muy orgulloso de nuestros asesores y exploradores por el arduo trabajo y dedicación que traen al Programa Explorer."

Del 19 al 23 de junio, los miembros de alto nivel del Programa Explorer y sus asesores de la Estación Del Rio (Post 920), la Estación del Sur de Eagle Pass (Post 925) y la Estación de Eagle Pass (Post 921) asesoraron a más de 30 niños de 14-20 años, de pueblos cercanos. Los graduados de la capacitación de una semana de duración podrán ingresar a su programa regional Explorer y continuar la capacitación semanalmente.

Compuesto por entrenamientos físicos diarios, instrucción en el aula, entrenamiento con armas de fuego y escenarios dinámicos de aplicación de la ley, 29 cadetes lograron superar con éxito el riguroso curso de cinco días. De los participantes, los reclutas de la Estación de Patrulla Fronteriza de Eagle Pass tomaron el premio como los mejores intérpretes en general. José Flores, representante de Del Río, fue galardonado con el mejor cadete masculino por entrenamiento físico. La mayor cadete femenina de entrenamiento físico fue ganada por Lesley Castañeda del equipo Eagle Pass South. Los participantes también compitieron en el tiroteo de armas de fuego donde los honores máximos de los tiradores fueron ganados por Hector Felan del escuadrón de Eagle Pass Sur y Hannah Hudak de Del Río.

El Programa Explorador, fundado en 1973, introduce a los jóvenes adultos a la vida de un agente de la Patrulla Fronteriza y les da una mejor comprensión de la aplicación de la ley como una opción de carrera. Como el programa más grande de este tipo en la nación, los participantes en el programa están expuestos a una variedad de habilidades de instructores dedicados y calificados.

Laredo, Texas– Celebrating 30 years, The United States Border Patrol Laredo Sector has been recognizing outstanding high school seniors. Youth of the Month Recipients for November were announced at a beautiful ceremony at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol presented seniors from 11 Laredo high schools with the prestigious Youth of the Month Award.

The Border Patrol Youth of the Month program has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for 30 years.  Together, with the collaboration of program partners, one student is selected each month from the Laredo-area high schools as Border Patrol Youth of the Month. At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Border Patrol Youth of the Year award.

November Youth of the Month Recipients:

• Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School- Rebekah Nadine Meza
• Harmony Science Academy- Sarah Olivera
• Hector J. Garcia Early College High School- Rebecca N. Harrison
• John B. Alexander High School- Amanda B. Ramirez
• J.W. Nixon High School- Maegan Yeary
• Lyndon B. Johnson High School- Luis Alexis Juarez
• R&T Martin High School- Blanca Margarita Molina
• St. Augustine High School- Alan Gamboa
• Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies- Brittney Barajas
• United High School- Andrea Flores
• United South High School- Lorena Montiel

TUCSON, Ariz.– Tucson Sector Border Patrol employees from southern Arizona donated more than 1,260 gifts this week to help brighten Christmas for 539 local children.

Agents and professional staff throughout Tucson Sector provided gifts for children through the Border Patrol’s “Angel Tree” outreach program. The gifts were donated to families in need through various charities, such as Devereux Arizona Foster Care, Healthy Families, and the Giving Turtle Program.

Brandi Samaniego, from Healthy Families, told the Douglas Station staff, “The effort and thought you put behind each toy or gift for these children become lifelong memories for families.”

Paul Davis, director of Foster Care Services for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona, said, “Every year, agents make the holidays a little brighter for our kids in care by participating in our holiday party and providing gifts for every child. Devereux is fortunate to have the Border Patrol as a community partner. The agents truly care about our kids.”

The Angel Tree program combines Border Patrol employees’ generosity with various community organizations to help local children enjoy the Christmas season. Angel Tree represents one of the many ways Border Patrol employees demonstrate their generosity and support for the local communities in which they work and live.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Los empleados de la patrulla fronteriza del sector de Tucson en el sur de Arizona donaron más de 1,260 regalos esta semana para ayudar a alegrar la Navidad para 539 niños locales.

Los empleados del sector de Tucson donaron regalos para los niños a través del programa "Árbol de Angeles" de la Patrulla Fronteriza. Los regalos fueron donados a familias a través de varias organizaciones benéficas, como Devereux Arizona Foster Care, Healthy Families y el programa Giving Turtle.

Brandi Samaniego, de Healthy Families, le dijo los empleados de la estación de Douglas, "El esfuerzo y la idea detrás de cada juguete o regalo para estos niños se convierten en recuerdos de toda la vida para las familias".

Paul Davis, director de Foster Care Services para Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona, dijo, "Cada año, los agentes hacen que la temporada navideña sea un poco más brillante para nuestros niños al participar en nuestra fiesta y brindar regalos para cada niño. Devereux es afortunado de tener a la Patrulla Fronteriza en la comunidad. Los agentes realmente quieren a nuestros niños."

El programa de Árbol de Angeles combina la generosidad de los empleados de la Patrulla Fronteriza con varias organizaciones benéficas para ayudar a los niños locales a disfrutar de la temporada navideña. Árbol de Angeles representa una de las muchas formas en que los empleados de la Patrulla Fronteriza demuestran su generosidad y apoyo a las comunidades locales en las que trabajan y viven.

Laredo, Texas – Celebrating 30 years, The United States Border Patrol Laredo Sector has been recognizing outstanding high school seniors. Youth of the Month Recipients for January’s were announced at a beautiful ceremony at Martin High School. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol presented seniors from 11 Laredo high schools with the prestigious Youth of the Month Award.

The Border Patrol Youth of the Month program has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for 30 years.  Together, with the collaboration of program partners, one student is selected each month from the Laredo-area high schools as Border Patrol Youth of the Month. At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Border Patrol Youth of the Year award.

Laredo, Texas– Celebrating 30 years, The United States Border Patrol Laredo Sector has been recognizing outstanding high school seniors. Youth of the Month recipients for February were announced at a beautiful ceremony at J.W. Nixon High School. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol presented seniors from 11 Laredo high schools with the prestigious Youth of the Month Award.

The Border Patrol Youth of the Month program has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for 30 years.  Together, with the collaboration of program partners, one student is selected each month from the Laredo-area high schools as Border Patrol Youth of the Month. At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Border Patrol Youth of the Year award.

The following students were chosen for this award:

February Youth of the Month Recipients:

• Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School- Yadira Aimee Chaires
• Harmony School of Excellence Science Academy- Alexia Janett Luna
• Hector J. Garcia Early College High School- Oralia Ortiz
• John B. Alexander High School- Samantha Chapa
• J.W. Nixon High School- Lauren Melendez
• Lyndon B. Johnson High School- Lizbeth A. Ortiz
• R&T Martin High School- Carlos Daniel Cruz
• St. Augustine High School- Santiago Saenz Jr.
• Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies- Priscila Garcin
• United High School- David Gonzalez
• United South High School- Edna Romo

LAREDO, TEXAS – Camila Sanmiguel, a senior at Alexander High School, was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2018.  Laredo Sector Border Patrol Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens made the announcement of the selection by program partners during the 2018 International Bank of Commerce (IBC) Youth Night celebration. 

Camila, the daughter of Mr. Eusebio Gerardo Sanmiguel Salinas and Mrs. Rosario Sanmiguel, has been accepted to Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business.  Depending on which school she plans to attend, she will study History and Literature or Comparative Literature with minors in either Economics or Computer Science. Along with being a National Honor Society member, Camila is a member the Class of 2017 National Student Poets as selected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in cooperation with the Library of Congress.

The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes eleven students each month from all Laredo area high schools.  Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement and demonstration of their fortitude to succeed.

The Youth of the Year was established by Border Patrol as an effort to recognize the youth for their outstanding achievements.  Program partners, such as IBC, play an integral role in the Border Patrol Youth of the Month program, as they reflect the commitment and dedication in supporting education by highlighting Laredo’s young leaders. 

Community partner IBC hosted the event at the IBC Lago Del Rio, and Camila was honored with a beautiful sash that she will wear on her graduation day.  Community partners provided Camila with various awards for her selection as Youth of the Year.  Glen Ruiz from Royal Laser Wash, Pediatrician Dr. Sara Campos each donated a $1,000 scholarship and AHEC and Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club gave a $500 scholarship each.  McDonald’s presented a gift basket. Laredo Energy Arena presented the student with tickets an upcoming concert, and Emperor Garden provided a Mac Pro laptop.  Awardmasterz donated a beautiful Texas-shaped plaque that was presented at the ceremony.  

Both U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and State Representative Tracy O. King each gave her a framed certificate honoring the Youth of the Year. U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar presented her with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and will sponsor a trip to Washington, DC for both Camila and her parents to visit the U.S. Capitol.  The honoree will also have the opportunity to receive a tour of the Texas State Capitol, where she will be presented on the Senate floor and State Senator Judith Zaffirini will hold a special reception in her honor. 

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of participation by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.

TUCSON, Ariz.– Tucson Station Border Patrol Explorers from Post #181 successfully completed the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Explorer Academy Friday afternoon in Oro Valley.

The young men and women of graduating class #118, celebrated their accomplishment surrounded by friends and family at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. The academy, hosted by the Oro Valley Police Department, welcomed several posts from Tucson area police departments such as, Tucson, South Tucson, Sahuarita, Marana, and Oro Valley.

Command staff from all the participating agencies attended the ceremony to congratulate the explorers, including Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch, who praised the accomplishment of the post and presented them their certificates.

The ten graduating Border Patrol explorers are local area students ages 14 through 19, who meet regularly at the Tucson Station. Throughout the program, explorers receive a glimpse of what a law enforcement academy is like, learning the basics of law enforcement and community service through volunteering.

Explorer programs are sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program and are hosted by most Border Patrol Stations. These programs provide local youth an extracurricular option to explore law enforcement careers, and enjoy team-building and scenario exercises. Additionally, explorers must maintain advanced academic standing at their school while enrolled in the program.

Many explorers move on to become leaders within their own communities. Some have become military officers, college educated professionals, and even Border Patrol agents. 

LAREDO, TEXAS- Camila Sanmiguel, a senior at Alexander High School, was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol’s Youth of the Year for 2018.  Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens made the announcement of the selection by program partners during the 2018 International Bank of Commerce (IBC) Youth Night celebration, earlier this year. 

On August 10, 2018, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol and the United Independent School District participated in an event at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas where Texas State Representative Richard Raymond, from District 42 - Laredo, honored Camila.  The event included a meet and greet with Representative Raymond and a special ceremony where Camila was presented with a framed resolution from the Texas House of Representatives in her honor. 

Camila, the daughter of Mr. Eusebio Gerardo Sanmiguel Salinas and Mrs. Rosario Sanmiguel, plans to attend Harvard University where she will study History and Literature or Comparative Literature with minors in either Economics or Computer Science. Along with being a National Honor Society member, Camila is a member of the Class of 2017 National Student Poets as selected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in cooperation with the Library of Congress.

“I want to thank Representative Raymond and his staff for hosting our Youth of the Year at the Texas State Capitol.  We are also truly grateful for the continued support Senator Zaffirini has provided this remarkable program since its inception. We congratulate Camila on her achievements and wish her continued success,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.

The Youth of the Year ceremony at the Texas Capitol culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes 10 students each month from all Laredo area high schools.  Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement and demonstration of their fortitude to succeed.

The Youth of the Month Program was established by Border Patrol as an effort to recognize local youth for their outstanding achievements.

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin McAleenan visited the Rio Grande Valley to meet with Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations Explorers.

Yesterday, CBP Commissioner McAleenan took time to meet with members of CBP’s Explorer programs operating throughout the Rio Grande Valley. He provided leadership advice, insight and personal experiences garnered from his years of public service. Commissioner McAleenan thanked the explorers for their dedication, continued efforts, and the value they add to their communities. The gathering concluded with a question and answer session that gave the participants the unique opportunity to engage in informal discussion with the commissioner.

The Explorer Program is a non-profit program chartered by the Boy Scouts of America. The program is the Boy Scout’s highest division and offers opportunities in character building, good citizenship, and fitness for young men and women interested in law enforcement careers. Explorers learn discipline, leadership, respect for themselves and others.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

LAREDO, Texas – The Laredo Sector Border Patrol kicked-off the Youth of the Month at United High School on Wednesday, September 19 marking its 31st year since the inception of the program.  During the ceremony held for the honorees, Border Patrol presented seniors from eleven Laredo high schools with the prestigious Youth of the Month Award.

The Youth of the Month Program has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for more than 30 years.  Together, with the collaboration of program partners, one student is selected each month from the Laredo-area high schools for the award.  At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Youth of the Year Award.

“I ask that you remember today as one of your many accomplishments as you continue your journey to success. Please remember that anything is possible with determination and perseverance,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose A. Martinez.

The following students were chosen for this award:

September Youth of the Month Recipients:

• Diana Lesley Santos (Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School)
• Karina Silva (Harmony School of Excellence)
• Sarai Ruiz (Hector J. Garcia Early College High School)
• Robert Leza Jr. (John B. Alexander High School)
• Sheyla Rodman (J.W. Nixon High School)
• Katheleen Chavez (Lyndon B. Johnson High School)                                  
• Mayka J. Coutino-Ramirez (R&T Martin High School)                                            
• Ana Catarina Romo (St. Augustine High School)                                        
• Catarina Samaniego (Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies)       
• Alejandro Xavier Alaniz (United High School)                                                      
• Jenifer Velasquez (United South High School)