Border patrol agents continued CBP mission during shutdown

San Diego Sector (SDC) Border Patrol personnel continued to skillfully execute missions during the recent partial government shutdown, which represented the longest such period in the nation’s history.

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officials said from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 24, 2019, SDC Border Patrol agents made 4,824 arrests, including 1,933 Mexican nationals and 2,891 nationals from countries other than Mexico. Officials noted that 1,493 were from family units and 315 were unaccompanied juveniles.

During the duration of the shutdown, agents worked more than five weeks without pay and missed two paycheck periods. Authorities made several drug seizures, totaling 54 pounds of methamphetamine, 224 pounds of cocaine, 338 ounces of heroin and 44 pounds of fentanyl. The narcotics possessed an estimated street value of more than $10 million.

“We have faced many challenges here in the San Diego Sector and the one common denominator in the success of those trials are the agents,” Rodney Scott, San Diego Sector chief patrol agent, said. “The resiliency and commitment of Border Patrol agents is remarkable and makes me proud.”

Officials commended the agents for continued efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders with courage and compassion while maintaining strength and care for one another.