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A typical shift

Land crossing, 12-hour shift starting at 6 a.m. Primary inspection: a car every minute or two, the same questions, reading the answers. Secondary: search a trunk, verify a work permit, seize undeclared alcohol. A commercial lane: truck manifests and food inspection. One arrest warrant hit in the system. Airports run the same pattern in waves as flights land. Nights and holidays are part of the rotation.