BORTAC: The US Border Patrol Tactical Unit

1.0 Introduction

The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) is the premier rapid-response force of the U.S. Border Patrol. The unit was established in 1984 to manage civil disturbances and rapidly evolved into a multifaceted tactical unit. With its headquarters in El Paso, Texas, and operatives stationed across the United States, BORTAC is poised for immediate deployment to emergent and high-risk incidents requiring specialised skills.

This unit distinguishes itself through its ability to conduct training and operations both domestically and internationally, enhancing the U.S. Border Patrol’s mission through a unique blend of tactical proficiency and operational agility.

BORTAC participates in training and operations with foreign and domestic law enforcement and military entities worldwide. This includes significant contributions to operations like Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Further, the unit’s rigorous Selection and Training Course (BSTC) mirrors the intensity of U.S. Special Operations Forces’ selection courses, ensuring that only the most capable candidates earn the BORTAC wings.

From high-risk warrant services to airmobile and maritime operations, BORTAC’s breadth of expertise provides the U.S. Border Patrol with unparalleled rapid-response capabilities, reflecting its critical role in securing the nation’s borders and beyond.

2.0 BORTAC’s Motto, Symbols, Patches and History

2.1 Motto

BORTAC’s motto, “Erigere Rapidus,” merges Latin for “to rapidly erect/build” and “swift,” symbolising “rapid entry/deployment.” This reflects their core focus on readiness and swift action. Adopted by the unit, it signifies their commitment to swift, precise responses to threats and emphasises the importance of training and preparedness in Special Operations. In essence, the motto embodies BORTAC’s ethos of excellence and strategic readiness in protecting the U.S. from cross-border threats. (source) 

2.2 Symbol

The BORTAC logo features an eagle clutching a shield adorned with the Department of Homeland Security’s emblem. This powerful imagery encapsulates the essence and mission of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit. The eagle embodies the unit’s readiness and resilience in the face of threats.

It is a symbol of strength and vigilance and represents BORTAC’s role as a guardian and protector. To emphasize, the shield signifies the unit’s commitment to safeguarding the United States against transnational threats. It highlights its defensive posture and the protective barrier it forms along the nation’s borders.

2.3 History of BORTAC

Formed in 1984, the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) was initially established to address disturbances within Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) detention facilities. This role is now assumed by the INS Detention and Deportation Division’s Tactical Intervention And Control (TIAC) teams.

Over the years, BORTAC has significantly broadened its operational scope and capabilities. Indeed, it has evolved into an elite rapid response unit tasked with executing specialised missions at both national and international levels.

In 2007, BORTAC’s integration under the USBP Special Operations Group (SOG) further centralised its command. As a result, it enhanced its ability to rapidly respond to national security issues. This expansion reflects BORTAC’s adaptation to the changing dynamics of border security and its commitment to addressing complex threats with specialised tactical expertise. (source) (source)

2.4 Patches

The patches worn by BORTAC operatives signify their belonging to this elite unit. Thus, each patch is a badge of honour, representing the rigorous training, dedication, and specialised skills that members bring to their mission of safeguarding the nation’s borders. (source) 

• Special Response Team (Pegasus): Symbolises BORTAC’s rapid response and operational agility.

• Original Tab: Represents the inception and foundational identity of BORTAC. 

• Patch and tab worn in late 80s & early 90s: Marks a historical period of BORTAC’s operations and evolution.

• Badge Patch (Olive Drab): Denotes BORTAC’s authority and formal identification in a specific colour variant.

• Black Border and Lettering (one piece): Highlights the unit’s professionalism and unity in a distinctive design.

• CBP patch worn on left shoulder: Aligns BORTAC with the broader Customs and Border Protection mission.

• Qualification Badge (Official): Acknowledges the rigorous training and skills of qualified BORTAC operatives.

3.0 Organisation of BORTAC

3.1 Place within the U.S. Homeland and International Security

Within the Department of Homeland Security’s complex structure, BORTAC is a specialised unit under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), specifically within the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and its Special Operations Group (SOG). BORTAC’s operational mandate is to address high-threat situations requiring specialised skills, both on domestic soil and in international engagements.

This unit’s strategic positioning within DHS and CBP allows for an integrated approach to national security. It leverages intelligence and resources for rapid deployment to emergent threats. BORTAC’s sister organisation, BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue), complements their tactical operations with specialised search and rescue capabilities, enhancing the USBP’s response spectrum.

Together, BORTAC and BORSTAR embody a dual force for addressing both tactical and humanitarian challenges at the border. They showcase a holistic approach to border security that merges tactical excellence with critical rescue operations. Thereby, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to both security and humanitarian responsibilities. (source) (source)

3.2 Financing

The 2023 annual budget allocated to the U.S. Border Patrol Program stands at approximately $5.434 billion. Within this substantial financial framework, specific allocations for the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) are not distinctly itemised.

By and large, as an elite component of the U.S. Border Patrol, BORTAC operates under the broader fiscal purview of its parent organisation. It overall draws on resources essential for its specialised training, operations, and equipment needs. (source)

3.3 Structure

BORTAC operates from its headquarters co-located with its training unit at Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas. This pivotal location serves as the hub for all CBP tactical team training while extending specialised training services to Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, BORTAC maintains distributed teams strategically positioned across areas of significant CBP interest. These include the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, as well as coastal regions near Florida and Puerto Rico. In this way, they ensure rapid response capabilities in these critical zones. Internationally, BORTAC’s expertise contributes to tactical and counter-narcotics training programs for foreign government agencies. This effort is exemplified by its work with El Salvador’s GRP tactical unit. (source)

3.3.1 Composition

BORTAC is approximately composed of 241 permanent agents and 18 part-time ones. Additionally, it selects its members through a stringent process based on their specialised tactical and operational expertise. This diverse team is integral to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission to address complex security threats.

3.3.2 Core Capabilities

• Rapid Deployment: Known for its swift mobilisation capability, BORTAC responds promptly to emergent and high-risk situations nationwide.
• Specialised Operations: The unit undertakes a broad spectrum of operations including rural and urban interdictions, high-risk warrant service, counternarcotics efforts, active shooter responses, and advanced reconnaissance.
• International Collaboration: BORTAC extends its training expertise internationally, enhancing global security by building the capacity of border security agencies across various continents. 

(source)

3.3.3 Subunits and Specialisation

• National Special Operations Group (SOG): A key component of BORTAC, the SOG oversees the planning and execution of specialised operations, ensuring readiness and operational excellence for both domestic and international missions.

3.4 Recruitment

The recruitment and selection process for the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) is designed to identify and train highly skilled agents from within the U.S. Border Patrol, ensuring that BORTAC remains a premier tactical unit capable of responding to high-risk incidents and threats to national security. (source)

3.4.1 Methods

BORTAC’s recruitment strategy focuses on identifying potential candidates from within the ranks of the U.S. Border Patrol. Information about the selection process is communicated through internal channels, emphasising the unit’s need for agents with exceptional skills and a high degree of physical fitness. The recruitment process also leverages the extensive network of law enforcement professionals within CBP to find suitable candidates. (source)

3.4.2 Requirements

• Service in U.S. Border Patrol: Mandatory service within the Border Patrol is required for eligibility, ensuring candidates have a solid foundation in border security operations.
  
• Physical Fitness Test: The physical fitness test for BORTAC candidates includes push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and pistol qualification, assessing readiness for the unit’s demanding operations. Successful candidates face further challenges: a timed six-mile ruck march with a weighted pack, swimming, treading water, and drown-proofing tests. This selection process, mirroring U.S. Special Operations Forces, tests physical limits and resilience under extreme conditions. Graduates continue advanced weapons training, ensuring BORTAC’s elite status in U.S. border security and counter-terrorism efforts domestically and internationally. (source) (source)
  
• Selection and Certification Course: The BORTAC Selection and Certification Course at Fort Bliss, Texas, is a rigorous program designed to prepare candidates for the demands of Border Patrol Special Operations. It begins with “Breakout,” a phase that tests physical and mental endurance through continuous stress, sleep, and food deprivation, aiming to evaluate candidates’ resilience and performance under pressure. This initial phase is crucial for assessing basic operator skills and the candidates’ ability to push beyond their limits. The course covers tactical skills, marksmanship, small unit tactics, and operational planning, ensuring only the most capable candidates are selected. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Juan A. Vasquez emphasises the importance of this selection process in identifying candidates with the necessary toughness, intelligence, and integrity. (source) (source) (source)

3.5 Connections to other important organisations

BORTAC’s operational scope and effectiveness are enhanced through strategic collaborations with a variety of key organisations, both domestically and internationally:

• Domestic Collaborations: Within the United States, BORTAC works closely with federal entities such as the FBI, DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for joint operations and training exercises. They also work with local police departments. These partnerships facilitate a unified approach to national security threats.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): As a component of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is under DHS, BORTAC collaborates with other DHS units like the Coast Guard and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to secure the nation’s borders and points of entry.
  
• International Partnerships: BORTAC has extended its expertise globally, operating in 28 countries. It has provided tactical training and advisory functions in nations across Central and South America, Africa, and Europe, enhancing international border security capabilities. Specific collaborations have included training missions with the El Salvador National Police’s Grupo de Respuesta Policial (GRP). (source) (source)

3.6 Involvement of other key organisations.

BORTAC’s operations and capacity-building missions involve key international and domestic actors, reflecting a broad network of partnerships aimed at enhancing global security:

• Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies: Through its international training programs, BORTAC works directly with specific units such as the El Salvador National Police’s GRP, among others, to bolster their tactical response capabilities against transnational threats.
  
• U.S. Military and Special Operations Forces: The training methodologies and operational tactics employed by BORTAC suggest a level of involvement with U.S. military branches and Special Operations Forces, leveraging their expertise for advanced tactical training.
  
• Confidential Collaborations: While not publicly disclosed, BORTAC’s operational success in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics missions indicates cooperation with local intelligence networks and possibly other non-state actors to gather actionable intelligence.

(source)

4.0 BORTAC’s Equipment

BORTAC, with its national and international operational responsibilities, is equipped with a wide array of specialised weaponry and equipment not typically available to other Border Patrol (BP) personnel. This equipment enables BORTAC to effectively respond to various threats and situations. (source)

4.1 Weapons

Assault Rifles:

• M4A1 carbine
• M16A1 or A2 5.56mm rifle
• M-14 7.62mm rifle
• HK33A2 rifle
• HK53 A2 or A3 rifle

Sniper Rifles:

• Remington 700 .308 rifle
• Remington M40 XBKS .308 rifle
• Steyr SSG rifle

Submachine Guns:

• HK UMP40 .40 cal
• HK MP5 A2 or A3 9mm

Shotguns:

• Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun with 14″ barrel, modified by Scattergun Technologies.

Grenade Launchers:

• M-79 40mm grenade launcher
• M-203 40mm grenade launcher
• 37 mm gas guns

Pistols:

• Beretta 96D 40 cal. Brigadier Service Pistol
• Heckler & Koch (HK) USP40
• SIG-Sauer P229 DAO 9mm

4.2 Armour and Kit

• Kevlar ballistic helmets for head protection.
• Armoured assault vests for body armour, providing ballistic protection during operations.
• Uniforms include: OG-107 uniforms or sage green flight suits, adorned with a subdued BP patch for identification.
• Footwear: The choice of boots is left to the individual operator’s preference, allowing for personalisation based on comfort and tactical requirements.

5.0 Tactical-Operational Information on BORTAC

BORTAC, as an elite unit of the U.S. Border Patrol, has been involved in a variety of high-risk operations both domestically and internationally, leveraging its specialised training and equipment to address complex security challenges. (source)

5.1 Operations

BORTAC’s operations span a wide range of missions, including but not limited to:

• Counter-Narcotics Operations: BORTAC has been instrumental in operations like Operation Blast Furnace, which targeted cocaine processing laboratories in Bolivia during the mid-1980s. This collaboration with the DEA and other federal law enforcement organisations underscores BORTAC’s commitment to combating drug trafficking networks across South America.
  
• Riot Control: The unit has managed large-scale inmate disturbances, notably assisting during the riot at the US Penitentiary Atlanta in 1987, showcasing its capabilities in handling civil disturbances and maintaining order.
  
• Training and Collaboration: BORTAC engages in joint training exercises with U.S. military Special Operations Forces (SOF), including Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, as well as with elite units from several foreign nations, enhancing tactical skills and fostering interoperability.
  
• Civil Disturbance: In 1992, BORTAC was deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order following the riots, illustrating its capacity to manage significant civil unrest effectively.
  
• Deployment to Portland (2020): BORTAC was deployed to Portland amid protests, demonstrating its adaptability and the government’s reliance on its expertise in managing civil unrest and ensuring public safety. This operation highlighted BORTAC’s ability to respond to domestic incidents requiring a high level of tactical proficiency and restraint.
  
• Recent Operations (2023): BORTAC’s engagement in a tactical situation in the Otay Mountains addressing armed robberies and assaults, alongside its notable presence during the Uvalde school incident response, underscores its rapid deployment capabilities and readiness to address emergent threats.

(source) (source) 

5.2 Most Relevant Operations 

5.2.1 The Elian Gonzalez Case

The Elian Gonzalez incident, a highly contentious episode in 1999-2000, underscored the multifaceted role of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) beyond its conventional border security mandate. In November 1999, Elian Gonzalez, a five-year-old Cuban boy, was the sole survivor of a tragic attempt to migrate from Cuba to the United States, which resulted in the death of his mother and others. F

ound adrift off the Florida coast, Elian’s rescue sparked an international custody dispute between his Miami-based relatives, who sought to keep him in the U.S., and his father in Cuba, who demanded his son’s return.

The dispute reached its peak on April 22, 2000, with a pre-dawn BORTAC-led operation to extract Elian from his relatives’ Miami residence, intending to reunite him with his father in Cuba. This operation, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Justice showcased BORTAC’s high-risk operational capabilities but also provoked widespread controversy.

Further, the deployment of armed federal agents to forcibly remove a child from a domestic setting was criticised for its perceived excessiveness and traumatic impact on Elian and his family. Conversely, proponents argued that the intervention was legally justified and necessary to uphold court decisions favouring Elian’s repatriation.

The incident not only cast BORTAC into the limelight but also stimulated extensive discourse on immigration policy, international custody laws, and the delicate dynamics of U.S.-Cuba relations. Additionally, it raised pertinent questions regarding the application of tactical force in civilian law enforcement contexts.

Today, the Elian Gonzalez case remains emblematic of the complex interplay between domestic law enforcement, international diplomacy, and human rights considerations, continuing to inform discussions on the scope and limits of tactical law enforcement operations in sensitive situations. 

(source)

5.2.2 BORTAC Deployment to Portland

In July 2020, the deployment of BORTAC to Portland, Oregon, during significant civil unrest, catalysed a national debate on the role of federal tactical forces in domestic protests. This operation, ordered by the Trump administration, aimed to quell protests centred on racial injustice and police brutality, ostensibly under the guise of protecting federal property.

The introduction of BORTAC into Portland’s already volatile environment intensified confrontations. The unit’s militarised posture and aggressive crowd control tactics were perceived as exacerbating rather than mitigating tensions. Critics argued this approach not only represented an overreach of federal power into local jurisdictions but also marked a dangerous precedent in the use of specialised border security units for domestic law enforcement purposes.

To emphasize, the operation blurred the traditional boundaries between military and civilian policing roles, raising constitutional concerns regarding the right to peaceful assembly and the principle of state sovereignty in managing internal affairs.

Supporters justified the deployment on the grounds of safeguarding federal assets and restoring order, citing local authorities’ alleged failure to adequately address the unrest. However, the operation’s critics viewed it as a strategic manoeuvre by the Trump administration to project a law-and-order stance, leveraging federal forces to assert control over dissenting urban centres.

The Portland operation crystallised debates over the use of elite units like BORTAC in civilian protests, spotlighting the militarization of police, federal overreach, and the erosion of civil liberties. This intervention not only strained democratic principles, balancing security against individual freedoms, but also raised critical questions about the legitimacy and boundaries of federal force in local governance. This chapter in BORTAC’s history serves as a pivotal case study in the complexities of federal tactical deployments domestically, continuing to fuel discourse on their justified extent and oversight.

(source) (source)

5.3 Core Purpose

The main aim of BORTAC is to provide a rapid response to unusual or high-risk situations that require specialised tactics and equipment. This includes counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics operations, riot control, and high-risk apprehensions. The unit’s function within these conflicts is to leverage its tactical expertise to manage and neutralise threats effectively. (source)

5.4 Tactics

BORTAC employs a multifaceted approach to tactics, meticulously adapting to the demands of each mission. These tactics are informed by their extensive training, specialised equipment, and the nature of the operations they undertake.

• Integrated Operations: BORTAC often operates in conjunction with other law enforcement and military units, utilising combined efforts for enhanced strategic impact. This includes sharing intelligence, coordinating on large-scale operations, and leveraging the unique capabilities of each participating unit.
  
• Precision Raids: For high-risk apprehensions or rescue operations, BORTAC employs precision raids characterised by rapid entry, swift action to neutralise threats, and meticulous planning to minimise collateral damage and ensure the safety of innocents.
  
• Counter-Narcotics and Interdiction: In operations targeting drug trafficking routes or operations, BORTAC utilises aerial surveillance, ground reconnaissance, and checkpoint establishment to intercept and dismantle smuggling networks. They work closely with DEA’s “Snow Cap” teams in such missions, especially in challenging terrains like the jungles of South America.
  
• Riot Control and Civil Disturbance Management: BORTAC’s approach to managing riots and civil disturbances involves strategic positioning, crowd control techniques such as containment and dispersal strategies, and non-lethal force to restore order while ensuring public safety.
  
• Sniper and Marksman Over-watch: In situations requiring precision engagement, BORTAC snipers provide over-watch, protecting team members during operations and ensuring high-value targets can be neutralised with minimal risk to bystanders.
  
• Advanced Reconnaissance: Utilising high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging, BORTAC conducts advanced reconnaissance to gather critical intelligence before executing operations. This allows for informed decision-making and strategic advantage.

(source) (source) (source) (source) (source)

6.0 The Future of BORTAC

The future of BORTAC is poised for evolution, driven by global security needs and technological advancements. Anticipated developments include expanded international cooperation to combat transnational threats, integration of advanced technologies for enhanced operational capabilities, and a heightened focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

Domestically, BORTAC may see increased involvement in border security operations, responding to changing migration patterns and threats. Additionally, the unit’s role in training and capacity building is expected to grow, sharing its tactical expertise with both U.S. and international law enforcement partners. These projections align with BORTAC’s history of adaptability and its mission to safeguard national and international security. (source)

7.0 Conclusion

The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) stands as a cornerstone of U.S. and international security efforts. It exemplifies unmatched rapid-response capabilities and tactical excellence since its inception in 1984. With a robust foundation in addressing civil disturbances, BORTAC has evolved into a versatile force, adept at managing a spectrum of high-risk operations across national and international stages.

Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the elite serve, embodying the unit’s motto, “Erigere Rapidus,” through swift and decisive action. BORTAC’s integration of advanced technologies and its expanding role in global security underscore its critical importance. Understanding BORTAC is essential to appreciating the complexities of modern border security challenges and the sophisticated responses required to safeguard nations against evolving threats.

8.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8.1 Is BORTAC military?

No, BORTAC is not a military unit. It is a specialised tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, which is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security. BORTAC employs military-style tactics and training in its operations. However, its primary mission is law enforcement, focusing on border security and responding to high-risk incidents within the United States and abroad.

8.2 What is the difference between BORTAC and BORSTAR?

BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) is the tactical response unit specialising in high-risk operations, counter-terrorism, and rapid deployment capabilities. In contrast, BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue) focuses on search and rescue operations, providing medical assistance in remote areas, and conducting humanitarian missions. Both units are essential components of the U.S. Border Patrol, each with specialised roles in border security and safety.

8.3 Does BORTAC deploy overseas?

Yes, BORTAC deploys overseas. The unit has a global response capability and has participated in international training and operations with both foreign and domestic law enforcement and military entities. This includes significant contributions to operations like Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, highlighting BORTAC’s role in addressing international security challenges.

8.4 What is the attrition rate for BORTAC?

While specific attrition rates for BORTAC’s selection process are not publicly disclosed, it is widely acknowledged that the course is extremely challenging. The rigorous physical and tactical demands of the selection course result in a high attrition rate, with only the most capable candidates successfully earning their place in the unit.

8.5 How do I prepare for BORTAC If I want to Join?

Preparing for BORTAC involves a rigorous physical and mental conditioning regimen. Candidates should focus on improving their endurance, strength, and tactical skills. This includes extensive running, rucking, swimming, and participation in physical training (PT) sessions designed to simulate the high-intensity demands of the selection process. Familiarising yourself with tactical operations, firearms proficiency, and survival skills is also crucial. It’s advisable to follow a structured fitness program tailored to meet the challenges of BORTAC’s selection course.