Border Patrol Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Preparation Resource

The Border Patrol primarily monitors the U.S. southern and northern borders because these areas represent the primary points of entry for unauthorized immigration and cross-border smuggling activities. The agency's mission is centered around preventing illegal entry into the United States and enforcing immigration laws, which are most heavily focused along these land borders with Mexico and Canada.

Monitoring these borders involves surveillance, patrolling, and responding to incidents that occur in these regions. The geographical focus allows the Border Patrol to manage large areas that are often remote, with varied terrain including deserts, mountains, and rivers, which can be challenging for unauthorized crossings. The southern border, in particular, sees significant traffic due to higher migration rates.

While coastal regions, urban centers, and international airports are important in the broader scope of national security and immigration enforcement, they fall under the jurisdiction of different agencies or are part of specific operations rather than the primary function of the Border Patrol itself. The agency's core responsibilities are intrinsically linked to land border enforcement activities.