What role does the Border Patrol play in immigration law enforcement?

The Border Patrol plays a critical role in immigration law enforcement primarily by apprehending individuals who attempt to unlawfully enter the United States and referring them for processing. This duty is essential to maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders and ensuring that immigration laws are upheld. The Border Patrol conducts surveillance and patrols along the borders, using various tactics to detect and intercept unauthorized entries. Once individuals are apprehended, they are processed according to immigration laws, which may involve further detention, hearings, or deportation.

The other options, while related to immigration, reflect responsibilities that do not fall under the Border Patrol's primary mission. Processing immigration applications is predominantly the role of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Enacting state-specific immigration laws, such as those in Florida, is the responsibility of state governments, not federal agencies like the Border Patrol. Lastly, public education about immigration regulations tends to be handled by various organizations and advocacy groups rather than the Border Patrol itself, which focuses more on enforcement rather than informational outreach.