see also: in June 2007 News Releases:   CBP, ATF Join Canadians in Launching Firearms Public Information Campaign Along U.S.-Canadian Border   Marijuana-Embedded Bricks Crumble at El Paso Port   FDA, CBP Advise of Potential Health Risks from Unpasteurized Cheese After Large Cheese Seizures at Laredo Border   CBP Officers Discover Exotic Birds at California Border Station   U.S., New Zealand Establish Joint Trade Security Arrangement   CBP Reminds Pleasure Boaters of Reporting Requirements When Returning from Foreign Locations   California CBP Officers Find Smuggled Persons in Truck Engine Compartment ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Edinburg, Texas— Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector leadership swore-in 52 prospective Border Patrol Agents as part of the 688th Border Patrol Academy Session, yesterday.

The ceremony took place at the Rio Grande Valley sector’s facilities on June 14, as Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Mark A. Butler swore-in 52 prospective Border Patrol agents who will start the Border Patrol Academy next week at Artesia, N.M. After successful completion of the academy, the group will report to their assigned stations within the sector.

These new agents reflect the personnel component of the Secure Border Initiative. Personnel combined with proven technology and infrastructure will optimize the security of our nation’s borders. Since June 2006, more than 230 candidate agents have entered on duty in the Rio Grande Valley sector.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.