Are Border Patrol agents police officers?
Border Patrol agents are federal law enforcement officers. Although some states also recognize them as state peace officers, Washington does not. Thus, Border Patrol agents have no inherent authority to enforce state and local laws other than that vested in an ordinary citizen. However, upon a lawful request for assistance from a state or local law enforcement officer, a Border Patrol agent may furnish appropriate assistance, including as necessary, effecting an arrest for a violation of state law upon the specific demand of that state or local officer.
