COLORADO SPRINGS — Thirty-three new recruits were sworn in as US Border Patrol agents at the US Air Force Academy's Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs on July 4, 2026. The event was held to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Space Force and US Border Patrol conducted recruitment efforts on-site.

President Donald Trump signed legislation in summer 2025 mandating the hiring of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents. In July 2026, he signed a bill allocating $70 billion for border security for the remainder of his term in office, which included $26 billion specifically designated for Border Patrol. US Border Patrol reported in July 2026 that it had surpassed 21,000 agents for the first time since its establishment in 1924.

Between January and April 2025, Border Patrol received 34,650 applications, which represented a 44% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Cody Price, an 18-year-old who deferred his admission to the University of Colorado Boulder, stated, "I looked into the military for a long time." He added, "I have asthma, and so I cannot join the military. But Border Patrol does not have an asthma [disqualifier]."

Border Patrol recruitment flyers advertised signing bonuses of up to $60,000 and listed starting salaries between $50,741 and $110,563. The event at Falcon Stadium also included a PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Space Cowboys event, which drew over 30,000 attendees. The rodeo featured a performance by Tim McGraw and a drone show. Sean Gleason, CEO of PBR, noted the shared values between bull riders and law enforcement. "Our cowboys, and the cowboys in our audience, they believe in hard work, honesty, integrity, help your neighbour, some selflessness," Gleason said. He also stated, "So that's what it takes to be in the military or in the US Border Patrol or any type of first responder." US Border Patrol has been the Official Federal Law Enforcement Officers of the Professional Bull Riders since 2008.