US Border Patrol's Fundraising Through Commemorative Coins

US Border Patrol agents are engaging in fundraising activities by selling commemorative coins that celebrate immigration enforcement operations from the previous year. The proceeds are directed towards nonprofit organizations that list Border Patrol facilities as their official addresses in IRS documentation. Notably, some of these organizations possess dedicated email addresses associated with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

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One of the coins for sale features the phrase “NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025” alongside the acronyms for US Border Patrol and a slogan popularized by the far-right group, the Proud Boys. The coin's design includes imagery of a gas mask, a riot control smoke grenade, and a pepper ball launcher. The reverse side displays a portrait of retired Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, with the phrase “COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU!” and lists cities that experienced federal enforcement surges in 2025, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

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The organization responsible for selling these coins, Willcox Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), is a nonprofit that was granted tax-exempt status during the Biden administration. Its address corresponds with that of the Willcox Border Patrol Station in Arizona. Employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Border Patrol, are permitted to establish private, nonprofit employee associations, provided they adhere to specific regulations.

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In response to inquiries about the fundraising activities, CBP spokesperson Hilton Beckham stated that Willcox MWR and similar nonprofits had been operational under previous administrations and had received authorization for limited commercial activities on CBP-occupied property. Beckham also indicated that the agency is currently revising its policies and procedures concerning MWRs.

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The fundraising initiative has drawn scrutiny due to its association with controversial imagery and slogans linked to far-right groups. Critics may argue that the sale of such coins could undermine the professionalism of the Border Patrol and raise ethical questions about the use of government resources for fundraising purposes.

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While the CBP maintains that these nonprofits have operated under prior administrations with proper authorization, the implications of their fundraising practices and the nature of the merchandise being sold remain contentious. There is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of oversight and approval processes for these activities, which may warrant further investigation.

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As CBP updates its policies regarding MWRs, the future of such fundraising initiatives and their alignment with agency standards will likely be scrutinized. Stakeholders will be attentive to any changes that may arise from this review process.

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