Borderline: Defending the home front

2023-08-04T17:01:04-04:00

My name is Vincent Vargas. I served 4 years of active duty in the United States Army and 14 years in the Army Reserve, including 3 combat deployments with the 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Then, in 2009, I became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security and served as a Medic with the Special Operations Group.

I never imagined being in the position to share this story. However, as border security continually makes headlines across the country, it seems more important than ever to shed light on the reality of the Border Patrol and the complexities of immigration.

In the picture above, I was honored to talk with National Guard Soldiers who were activated to support the border mission. Their perspective allowed me to gain a better understanding of the challenges we face every day at the border.

Drawing from my personal experiences as a combat veteran, Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and third-generation Mexican American, I felt it was crucial to offer an unbiased perspective. Officers on the border often face constraints when expressing their views on controversial topics, including the challenges they encounter in the field. The media also tends to manipulate these narratives to serve their own agendas, influencing public opinion in different ways.

In Borderline, my goal is to take you on an enlightening journey, unraveling the intricacies and challenges of a frequently misunderstood profession. I want to shed light on the flaws within our current immigration system, which requires significant transformation, while also shedding light on the Border Patrol's elite special operations teams and the value they bring to our borders.

My sincere hope is that, as you delve deeper into this story, you develop deeper respect for those who safeguard our nation, while comprehending and empathizing with the motivations of immigrants drawn to the luminous opportunities the United States provides.

By exploring our nation's immigration policy, I believe we can equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge to spark the crucial changes this system needs. Through education and understanding, we can transcend the role of passive observers and become active catalysts for a fair and compassionate society.

If you’re interested in learning more about my book Borderline, you can check it out here:
https://bit.ly/47loT02

Just a moment...

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Aug 5 at 2023 5:42 AM

2023-08-05T05:42:51-04:00

Good luck.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Aug 5 at 2023 7:24 PM

2023-08-05T19:24:43-04:00

Our oaths state that we support and defend the US Constitution against all domestic and foreign enemies of the United States. We are letting in terrorist; illegals; diseased; lawless; mental incapacitated; those who contribute nothing for the good of society.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Aug 6 at 2023 8:20 PM

2023-08-06T20:20:37-04:00

Borderline …good read and perspective brother …I’m also 4th generation Mexican American

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Aug 7 at 2023 6:34 PM

2023-08-07T18:34:12-04:00

Good evening SFC Vincent Vargas. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2023 12:50 PM

2023-08-08T12:50:56-04:00

I thought, by clicking on your link, Vincent, we could read it. But it says it's not available until November 2023. . . . It's obvious from your post here that you are a writer. I wish you much success with your book. . . .

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 8 at 2023 3:02 PM

2023-08-08T15:02:45-04:00

I can't wait to read this book, SFC Vincent Vargas. Thanks for bringing this real-world perspective to the conversation of Border Protection.

Response by Cpl Lisa Kreiser made Aug 13 at 2023 5:28 AM

2023-08-13T05:28:58-04:00

Thank you for sharing and for your service Vincent. RIP Brian Terry.

Response by MSgt Earl King made Aug 21 at 2023 9:29 PM

2023-08-21T21:29:43-04:00

Yep, Your Book, Your Opinion!!

Response by LCpl Anna A. made Aug 22 at 2023 11:41 AM

2023-08-22T11:41:21-04:00

Security in and of itself is an often extremely misunderstood field of work - let alone the Dept of Homeland Security. I'm extremely interested in getting to read your perspective, as not only an agent, but as a third-generation Mexican-American. I feel like the light your narrative will probably shed on the plethora of overlooked issues regarding immigration and the border as a whole will be invaluable.

Response by PO3 Shayne Seibert made Oct 3 at 2023 5:25 PM

2023-10-03T17:25:17-04:00

I've got the book saved to my list. My cousin's husband did 30 years with the Border Patrol, so this hits home.
Thank you,

Response by CW3 Michael Blades made Dec 3 at 2023 2:14 PM

2023-12-03T14:14:50-05:00

My best friend during my 21 years in the Army was Mexican American. We had great times together sharing families and life.