Border Patrol Operators Association

Our Origin: Why We Formed the Border Patrol Operators Association (BPOA)

The Border Patrol Operators Association was born out of necessity.

During the Portland riots, a significant number of San Diego-based Special Operations Detachment agents—who were non-bargaining and non-supervisory—were named in a civil lawsuit. Despite faithfully performing their duties, they were left vulnerable. Being outside of bargaining units and supervisory classifications, they had no access to group legal defense coverage. Some believed they were covered, only to discover that their plans merely provided legal advice, not actual representation. Others had personal assets frozen or were forced to pay out-of-pocket for legal counsel while facing the threat of criminal charges.

As supervisors who had already established an association providing legal protection for leadership, we knew we couldn’t stand by. We were sending our agents into high-risk, high-liability situations without a safety net. That was the breaking point.

In response, we chartered the Border Patrol Operators Association (BPOA) through the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Legal Defense Plan. Our mission is simple: ensure every agent on the ground—regardless of their bargaining or supervisory status—has access to real civil and criminal legal defense when it matters most.

Legal Defense Coverage with the FOP

Due to PORAC by-laws, non-bargaining and non-supervisory agents are ineligible for legal defense coverage through the Border Patrol Supervisors Association (BPSA). To fill this gap, BPOA offers nationwide legal defense coverage through the Fraternal Order of Police Legal Defense Plan, available to all DHS law enforcement personnel.

The National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP) is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with over 373,000 members. Our attorneys have already proven their value—successfully defending a BPOA member involved in a fatal shooting incident with bandits in the San Diego Sector.

Who We Serve

BPOA membership is tailored to support non-bargaining, non-supervisory law enforcement professionals across DHS, including:

• BORTAC Operators
• BORSTAR Operators
• SIU Agents
• Border Patrol Programs Agents (BPA-P)
• HSI Agents and other DHS-affiliated law enforcement

If you operate in high-risk, high-liability environments, this coverage was built for you.

Set up a financial allotment for $20 per pay period through your NFC Employee Personal Page. Use the following bank details:

• Routing Number: 322274488
• Account Number: 33099180
• Type of Account: Checking

Ensure the allotment amount is set to $20.00

Learn more about the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Legal Defense Plan:

• FOP Legal Defense Plan Overview – https://www.foplegal.com
• National FOP Legal Defense Plan Info – https://fop.net/legal-defense-plan