Definition

Noun: - The mobile law enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service that detects and prevents illegal entry of aliens into the United States: This refers to the specific federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the nation's borders between official ports of entry.

Usage

• The term "US Border Patrol" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to the agency itself, not to an individual action or a generic border guard.
• It is typically used with definite articles (e.g., US Border Patrol) or possessive pronouns when referring to its agents or activities.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The US Border Patrol increased surveillance along the southern border.
  • She works as an agent for the US Border Patrol.
  • Legislation aimed to provide more funding for the US Border Patrol.

Advanced Usage

• "US Border Patrol agent": This is the standard term for an individual officer working for the agency.
  • A US Border Patrol agent apprehended the group crossing the river.

Variants and Related Words

• Border Patrol (noun): A common shortened form used conversationally and in media, but still specifically referring to the US agency. The "US" is often implied in domestic contexts.

  • The suspect was turned over to Border Patrol.

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (noun): The larger parent agency, created in 2003, under which the US Border Patrol now operates. The Border Patrol is one component of CBP.

  • The US Border Patrol is a part of Customs and Border Protection.

Synonyms

• Federal border agency: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its national jurisdiction.
• Border enforcement agency: A general term highlighting its primary function.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes the US federal law enforcement agency. It is not a generic term for any border guard service from another country.
• Its core mission, as per the definition, involves and illegal entry, which encompasses patrols, surveillance, and apprehension.

Noun

1. the mobile law enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service that detects and prevents illegal entry of aliens into the United States