Surge in Applications for Border Patrol, Secret Service, and Coast Guard

Recently, there’s been a notable increase in applications for various federal law enforcement agencies since the Trump administration began. The U.S. Border Patrol, for instance, has experienced a significant uptick—applications have surged by 44% in the first four months compared to the same duration last year.

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard has exceeded its recruitment goals by an impressive 110%. There seems to be a trend of renewed interest in public service roles within these agencies, particularly after earlier struggles to meet recruitment targets in previous years.

According to reports, federal law enforcement positions have drawn a record number of applicants. In the initial months of the Trump administration, the Border Patrol reportedly received 34,650 applications, setting a new benchmark for the agency. Mike Banks, the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, referred to this recruitment phase as “the most successful four-month widespread recruitment in agency history.”

The Coast Guard, which had struggled under the previous administration, is now evidently on track to boost its numbers significantly—over 4,700 new recruits have already joined this fiscal year. Officials noted that the agency has enhanced its efforts to secure the U.S. borders and curb illegal drug activities.

The Secret Service has also reported a dramatic rise in interest, with applications reportedly increasing by 200% since Trump took office. This is quite a leap, as noted by Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS Deputy Chief.

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, our men and women in uniforms are once again respected and empowered to do their job,” McLaughlin stated. Since the administration took office, interest in joining the Border Patrol has surged to unprecedented levels, with nearly 35,000 applications received between January and May 2025—a 44% rise from the same period in 2024.

During this same timeframe, the Secret Service noted over 22,000 applications, a striking increase from the 7,000 received in the previous year. Some suggest this surge in interest followed changes in employment practices within the agency.

This recruitment boom suggests a shift in public perception and interest in federal law enforcement roles, reflecting broader changes in policy and administration.