Border Patrol Agents Sell Challenge Coins Commemorating Immigration Enforcement Operations

U.S. Border Patrol agents are selling commemorative coins through nonprofit organizations to raise funds for activities that memorialize immigration enforcement operations conducted across the country in 2025. These organizations utilize government-affiliated addresses and official CBP email systems for their operations.

One coin prominently features "NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025" alongside Border Patrol insignia and an acronym for "fuck around and find out"—a phrase popularized by far-right groups and subsequently adopted by Trump administration officials. The coin's imagery includes tactical equipment: a gas mask, riot control smoke grenade, and pepper ball launcher. The reverse side displays what appears to be Border Patrol's former commander-at-large Gregory Bovino in a salute pose, accompanied by the phrase "COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU!" Seven cities are listed: Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Phoenix, Portland, Charlotte, and Atlanta—locations that experienced federal enforcement operations in 2025.

Federal Guidelines and Organizational Structure

The coin is marketed by Willcox Morale Welfare and Recreation, a nonprofit organization granted tax-exempt status during the Biden administration. According to IRS documentation, the organization's address corresponds to the Willcox Border Patrol Station in Arizona. Communication attempts to their dedicated CBP email address have not yielded responses.

Department of Homeland Security policy permits employees to establish private, not-for-profit associations within the agency framework, provided they obtain formal recognition and adhere to established protocols. These officially recognized groups may fundraise on government property and create merchandise incorporating agency names and logos, but only with prior approval from the department.

Willcox MWR represents one of numerous organizations nationwide serving Border Patrol agents under the MWR designation—an adaptation of the military's "morale, welfare and recreation" programs. These groups typically organize holiday celebrations, retirement functions, and financial assistance for agent families facing hardships, including those affected by government shutdowns.

Merchandise Operations and Compliance

Multiple MWRs produce customized medallions called "challenge coins" that commemorate specific units or events. While individuals, including former CBP personnel, may independently design and market coins, current DHS employees must avoid using government resources for coins bearing agency seals or logos without authorization, particularly those deemed inappropriate or unprofessional by the department.

CBP has not responded to requests for comment regarding its relationship with Willcox MWR or other nonprofits mentioned, nor has it confirmed approval for the "North American Tour" coin design.

SDC BK5 MWR, another registered nonprofit, operates from an address matching a Chula Vista, California government facility. According to their website, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents established the organization to sell custom merchandise for "morale and relief efforts" funding.

The SDC BK5 MWR website catalogs over 200 products, including a "Chicago Midway Blitz" challenge coin shaped like a gas mask and functioning as a bottle opener. The coin features embossed names of municipalities and neighborhoods involved in the DHS immigration enforcement operation of the same name conducted last fall. Similar to the North American Tour coin, it displays the U.S. Border Patrol logo and the acronym for "fuck around and find out."

Congressional Response

Illinois political representatives have expressed concern about these merchandising efforts. Senator Dick Durbin's office issued a statement characterizing the coins as problematic: "The pain and suffering caused by Operation Midway Blitz and President Trump's other targeted mass deportation campaigns will forever leave a stain on communities across the country—including Chicago. Now, Border Patrol employees are seemingly using federal resources to sell disturbing challenge coins that promote President Trump politically and celebrate the havoc they caused."