Bortac History and Overview

The U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) is the global special response team for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its mission is to respond to terrorist threats of all types anywhere in the world in order to protect our nation's homeland. Its agents are counted among the nation's most dedicated and highly trained special operators.

Since its inception in 1984, BORTAC has developed a reputation in the special operations community as one of the premier tactical units in law enforcement. The Unit has continued to expand its scope and capabilities to address the growing threats to the United States and its interests abroad. Each year, it continually receives support requests from both U.S. and foreign military and law enforcement entities. To date, BORTAC members have operated in 28 countries around the world. Missions have included international training/advisory functions, counter terrorism operations, counter narcotics operations, high-risk warrant service, dignitary protection, interdiction & patrol operations, and tactical training to other U.S. agencies and military units.

During the 1980's "War on Drugs," BORTAC, in conjunction with the DEA, conducted counter narcotics operations in South America during Operation "Snow Cap." In 1992, BORTAC was deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order after rioting broke out in the wake of the Rodney King trial. In April of 2000, the BORTAC conducted Operation "Reunion," in which it executed a raid on a home in Miami, Florida and safely returned Cuban refugee Elian Gonzalez to his family in Cuba. Following the World Trade Center Attack in September of 2001, BORTAC personnel were sent to high-risk areas around the country to help secure against future attacks. In 2002, BORTAC worked jointly with the United States Secret Service to secure sports venues at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.

Recent natural disasters have vaulted BORTAC personnel into tactical relief operations (TRO) by providing hurricane relief aid to Gulf Coast residents and law enforcement support to law enforcement agencies affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Current BORTAC operations in support of United States interests include, ongoing support of the U.S. military in Iraq. As a result of current and past missions, significant arrests and seizures have been made which have helped prevent terrorist and narcotic infiltration into the United States. Plans are currently being made to extend such operations into other countries in Central and South America.

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Other Sites:

BorderPatrolAcademy.com | BorderPatrolJob.com | BorderPatrolCheckpoint.com | BorderStar.com

ExplorerProgram.com | IllegalImmigrationNews.com | CBP.gov | ICE.gov

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