U.S. Border Patrol's Lynn Cruz, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent

Lynn Cruz Supervisory Border Patrol Agent

The U.S. Border Patrol is the mobile, uniformed enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service responsible for protecting our nation's border, and protecting lives. Being a Border Patrol Agent is the kind of job that challenges you on every level - physically and mentally.

Lynn Cruz is a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent stationed in El Paso, Texas. "I am responsible for administering the El Paso Sector Board Patrol Prosecutions Program," says Cruz. "I ensure compliance of all federal laws and INS policies, procedures and regulations as they apply to each case prosecuted by the Border Patrol in the 12 Border Patrol stations in the Western District of Texas and all of New Mexico. On a typical day I enforce immigration laws, perform line watch duties, respond to sensor alerts, process for removal of illegal aliens and check different modes of transportation.

The road to the Border Patrol was a easy transition for Cruz, who started her professional law enforcement career with the Webb County (Texas) Sheriff's Department. "In my work as a deputy sheriff, I often had the opportunity to work with Border Patrol agents and I admired the professional manner and the tact and dignity with which they treated people," Cruz remembers. "This inspired me to want to join the US Border Patrol."

Cruz joined Border Patrol in 1988, "and I started at the entry level, just like everyone else and worked my way up," she says. In 1996, her supervisor nominated her to participate in the one-year Women's Executive Leadership Program with the Border Patrol, which is a career-development program for first-year supervisors and GS-11 employees. "It's comprised of training and management classes that help you focus on your own career goals. You have to create an individual development plan," Cruz recalls. "You also complete a 60-day assignment and 30-day assignment to help you focus and reach your career goals."

Of course being fluent in Spanish is a huge asset for Border Patrol agents. "Being bilingual provides an avenue of communication, which allows me to better understand the social, economic and cultural differences," Cruz says. "On a daily basis, I also meet and communicate with foreign government officials and members of the foreign media." She's been with the El Paso sector since 1988. Her assignments vary from 30- to 60-day duty rotations, so the job is anything but monotonous.

What Cruz likes most about her job is being able to represent the Border Patrol in a positive light. "The satisfaction comes from knowing that one person focused and dedicated to enforcing immigration laws can make a positive impact" she explains. Cruz's husband of 10 years is also a Border Patrol agent. With his support, as well as the support of her supervisors at the station level, she is able to balance family and work life.

As for words of wisdom, Cruz offers, "Be true and remain dedicated to your morals and ideals. Focus on your education and understand that with suffering, patience and dedication, you can achieve your goals and reach a hand out to others with similar dreams. Success cannot be attained with solitude. It is a journey in which by helping others, you help yourself."

For more information about career opportunities, visit the

U.S. Border Patrol website.