Frank Figliuzzi Show | Frank Welcomes Jenn Budd, Former Border Patrol Agent

Jen Budd, a former senior Border Patrol agent who resigned in protest, uses her memoirs and a new 60‑page primer to expose how the agency operates far beyond the public’s imagination. She explains that within a 100‑mile “border zone"—covering roughly two‑thirds of the U.S. population—agents are not bound by the Fourth Amendment, allowing warrantless searches, indefinite detention, and racial profiling. Budd’s books, released on Kindle and other e‑book platforms, break down agency authority, leadership structures, and the legal loopholes that enable these practices, offering a concise roadmap for policymakers and advocates.

The conversation also reveals deep flaws in Border Patrol training and culture. Budd describes a four‑month academy curriculum—now compressed to under two months—where agents are taught that constitutional protections do not apply to immigrants and that profiling is permissible. Female agents face a hostile environment, including systematic sexual harassment and even rape, with the institution protecting perpetrators. This misogynistic climate, coupled with inadequate legal knowledge among rank‑and‑file agents, fuels misconduct that often goes unchecked in courts, creating significant compliance and reputational risks for businesses operating near the border.

Oversight mechanisms are compromised by a “bro‑system” that places former agents in internal‑affairs roles, effectively shielding the agency from accountability. Budd cites the HBO documentary "Critical Incident" and past incidents where Border Patrol used force without proper investigation, highlighting a pattern of impunity. Her primer urges swift legislative and procedural reforms, emphasizing that transparent oversight and clear constitutional limits are essential for safeguarding civil liberties and reducing legal exposure for companies dealing with immigration‑related matters. The insights provide a vital briefing for executives, legal teams, and compliance officers navigating the complex border enforcement landscape.