Brownsville Hosts First Joint CBP Explorer Academy

Brownsville, Texas - Starting on June 18, for two weeks, the Brownsville Port of Entry and the Fort Brown and Brownsville Border Patrol Stations hosted a two-week academy for 51 new Explorer cadets. This was the first time that a joint Federal Explorer academy training has been held in Brownsville. The training was conducted as a joint operation between CBP Field Operations and Border Patrol, and was also the first time the Brownsville Port of Entry has had an active Explorer Post since 2002. The cadets were trained in numerous law enforcement scenarios that are based on actual training received by CBP officers and agents. There were physical training requirements such as a 1.5-mile run that had to be completed within 15 minutes, push-ups and sit-ups all designed to test the cadets' physical endurance and abilities.

There also was a classroom component in which the cadets were introduced to criminal and immigration law, laws governing commercial fraud, use of force, officer safety and survival, the history of CBP and the agencies that came together to form it. Of the 51 cadets that started the academy, 43 will successfully complete the training, receive a CBP Explorer badge and will then be welcomed into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection family and their respective Explorer Post. Explorer Posts are guided by a team of CBP officers and Border Patrol agents who collectively mentor these young men and women.

“Some of our present officers and agents are former explorers; this program allows us to mentor young people while giving them the opportunity to experience what a career in law enforcement has to offer. I congratulate our new explorers and thank all of the officers and agents who volunteer their time to this tremendous program,” said Eugenio Garza Jr., Director, Field Operations, Laredo Field Office. 

“The Explorer program serves as a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement. It provides young people with a valuable opportunity to learn about law enforcement careers firsthand, while at the same time building their character and leadership abilities,” Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa said. “Ultimately it can help them achieve their full potential in life. Congratulations to the new Explorers and thank you to all those devoting their efforts to make this program a success.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.