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CBP Paying Up To $297 Million To Hire 5,000 New Border Agents

A U.S. Border Patrol agent conducts security checks at border checkpoint, Jamul, CA.
(Photo by Donna Burton - CBP)
A U.S. Border Patrol agent conducts security checks at border checkpoint, Jamul, CA.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted a request earlier this week asking contractors to help it bring in 5,000 new border agents.

President Donald Trump arrived at the 5,000 number last winter when he issued an executive order directing Homeland Security to hire the agents. 

The solicitation filed now says the hiring contractor would assist Customs and Border Protection with testing, screening and streamlining the application process. The agency is paying at least $5 million and up to $297 million for the contractor.

Fronteras Desk senior editor Michel Marizco is an award-winning investigative reporter based in Flagstaff.