The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has faced growing backlash for using rodeo events as recruitment opportunities, amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on migrants. For the last 20 years, the agency has maintained a presence at such events, but protests have intensified recently.
At a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Nashville, the protest group 50501 condemned the CBP’s recruitment drive, stating, 'We don’t want the Department of Homeland Security in our town!' Local groups also called on PBR to revoke the Border Patrol’s invitation.
The Trump administration strengthened ties between Border Patrol and PBR with a 2019 deal providing $3 million annually for five years, totalling $15 million. At rodeos, pickup men now wear shirts and chaps emblazoned with Border Patrol logos, and agents have been seen rappelling from rafters during the national anthem.
PBR defended the partnership, with Vice President Andrew Giangola saying rodeos 'attract fans who often value service, discipline, and patriotism – traits that align closely with the mission and culture of the Border Patrol.' He added that such events are a good fit for recruiting law enforcement and military personnel.
The federal government’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act sets aside billions for Border Patrol and ICE recruitment and retention. New agents can receive hiring bonuses of up to $30,000, with $20,000 paid partly after training and the rest after three years, plus an extra $10,000 for those in priority locations like parts of Texas and Arizona.
