WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Federal officials Thursday announced the U.S. Border Patrol Academy will be consolidated in a training facility at Artesia, N.M.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said the new academy will be located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia. New Border Patrol agents are currently trained in Georgia and South Carolina.
Bonner said the new academy would build a foundation the agents need to meet their anti-terrorism, interdiction and border security mission. Basic and advanced training will be provided for more than 11,000 agents.
New Border Patrol agents must complete a rigorous, 19-week training program that includes training in anti-terrorism, immigration and drug laws, behavioral science, and the Spanish language.
Bonner said the New Mexico location would provide a unique environment similar to Southwest border where many Border Patrol agents are assigned because of illegal migration and and drug smuggling.
