Which agency oversees the U.S. Border Patrol?

The U.S. Border Patrol operates under the umbrella of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This agency is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and focuses on immigration enforcement, border protection, and customs administration. CBP combines multiple functions, which include the enforcement of immigration laws, the apprehension of undocumented immigrants at and between ports of entry, and the facilitation of lawful trade and travel.

While the Department of Homeland Security oversees CBP, the direct oversight and operational command of the U.S. Border Patrol itself falls under CBP. This distinction is essential because it highlights the specific organizational structure within the larger framework of U.S. immigration and border security operations. Other options like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI do not have direct oversight over the Border Patrol; instead, they have their own distinct roles in law enforcement and immigration.