US Border Patrol agents are engaging in fundraising activities by selling coins that commemorate significant events related to immigration enforcement in the past year. These sales are facilitated through nonprofits that operate from Border Patrol stations and use these sales to support various operational activities.
One notable coin prominently features the inscription “NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025,” along with the acronym for US Border Patrol and a phrase popularized by the far-right group the Proud Boys. The coin depicts a gas mask, a riot control grenade, and a pepper ball launcher, alongside the portrait of Gregory Bovino, a retired Border Patrol commander. The coin also lists seven cities that experienced surges in federal enforcement: Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Phoenix, Portland, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
The selling organization, Willcox Morale Welfare and Recreation, was declared tax-exempt and is officially recognized by the IRS, operating from the Willcox Border Patrol Station in Arizona. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permits the establishment of nonprofit associations within its ranks, contingent upon following specific rules regarding fundraising and merchandise creation. CBP spokesperson Hilton Beckham clarified that certain groups, including Willcox MWR, were authorized for limited commercial activities on government property.
In addition to selling these challenge coins, some goods have raised intellectual property concerns, such as a coin linked to the children’s book Charlotte’s Web, altered to show the characters in police gear and retitled “OPERATION CHARLOTTE’S WEB.” Following complaints from the original publisher, HarperCollins, a cease-and-desist letter has been issued. Other coins commemorating distinct operations have also faced backlash for potential misuse of federal resources and the political undertones of their design.
Past incidents involving controversial challenge coins within Border Patrol have spurred criticism and investigations, highlighting ongoing issues within the agency regarding appropriateness in merchandise and branding, and concern that these items could undermine the professional image of the Border Patrol.
