YUMA, Ariz.- As an immigrant from Germany Tanja Eiben said she wonders how U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces the law. Eiben lived in Germany while the east and west were still divided. She said as a child she was always scared of Germany’s version of Border Patrol.
“It was just a very tense situation.” said Tanja Eiben.
Ten years ago she immigrated to the United States. As an immigrant she went through a detailed process. Eiben said it made her curious to learn more about the process, she wanted to learn how the agency determines what is legal and the ethical practices.
Twice a year U.S. Customs and Border Protection hosts its citizens academy. The agency takes applicants, like Eiben, who are interested in understanding how the largest law enforcement agency on the southern border works. The German native was selected as one of about 20 who will attend the five week course.
“Seeing the real thing that you usually only see from far away, now we get to see it for real,” she said.
The agency said they use the academy as a way to inform the public and to answer questions and concerns that the public has about how they enforce laws in the border area.
“We are trying to build transparency and build a strong, positive relationship with the community,” said Maria Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is one of several agents who volunteers her time to help with the academy on Wednesday nights.
At the first class participants were introduced to different agents assigned to different duties. The class was introduced to different law enforcement agencies who work under U.S. Customs and Border Protection including Border Patrol, Office of Field Operations, and Office of Air and Marine.
One of the biggest misconceptions is the difference in the roles of Border Patrol agents and CBP Office of Field Operations officers. Border Patrol agents are responsible for enforcing the laws outside the ports of entry, whereas, Office of Field Operations officers enforce the law for people passing through the port of entry.
In the coming weeks participants will be involved in mock training scenarios like inspecting for illegal goods and use of force in the field.