BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Border Report) -- During the first day of the latest government shutdown on Wednesday, Border Patrol agents and other border law enforcement worked the border without pay.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected a steady stream of vehicles entering from Matamoros, Mexico, at the Gateway International Bridge, while Border Patrol agents patrolled up and down dusty border wall roads looking for anyone entering the country illegally.

The nation's 20,000 Border Patrol agents are considered essential personnel, who along with the military, CBP and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement officers are required to show up to work regardless when their next paycheck will arrive.

“Rest assured that @CBP continues to report for duty and protect America 24/7/365 regard

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