Bridging Leadership and Compassion on the Border

Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge (DPAIC) Jerami Cheatwood has spent over a decade securing the U.S.-Mexico border. In his role with the Border Patrol’s El Centro sector in Southern California, Cheatwood oversees the operations of more than 280 agents across 37 miles of border. But his impact extends far beyond the tactical and operational.  

He also serves as the Border Patrol chaplain. As chaplain, he provides a source of solace and guidance, shepherding agents and their families through some of their toughest moments. 

Cheatwood, who earned a degree in management at Cedarville University in Ohio, began his career with the Border Patrol in 2009 in Eagle Pass, Texas — a high-traffic area known for its challenging terrain. The work suited him perfectly. “I’m an outdoors person,” said Cheatwood, recalling his early days of tracking migrants for miles along the Rio Grande. 

From those early experiences, Cheatwood worked his way up the ranks, eventually taking on leadership roles. Today, as DPAIC in the El Centro Sector, he manages the station’s field operations, ensuring agents are equipped with the resources, technology and strategies needed to secure their portion of the border. 

Though El Centro is one of the quieter sectors along the southern border, as it aims to deliver consequences to the greatest extent possible, Cheatwood’s days are far from slow. Recent events, such as coordinating the rescue of a U.S. citizen shot by a cartel member who had illegally entered the United States in the mountains, demonstrate the complexity of the job. 

"Our job is not just about apprehensions,” Cheatwood said. “It’s about responding to emergencies, supporting agents and being prepared for anything.” 

Cheatwood’s commitment to innovation has also left a lasting mark.  

Early in his career, he developed a tracking database that streamlined operations and improved intelligence gathering. What began as a local program spread across Texas and eventually influenced a national Border Patrol system. 

In 2014, Cheatwood added the chaplain role to his border work. Inspired by a colleague and his involvement in church, Cheatwood attended the Chaplain Academy, gaining skills to support agents during personal crises and tragedies. 

As a chaplain, Cheatwood is often called upon during life’s most vulnerable moments. “You get activated when someone is struggling — whether it’s an agent having a hard day, a family grieving a loss, or even when someone is suicidal,” he explained. 

For Cheatwood, his faith plays a central role in how he serves. “When people come to you, they’re often in a dark place. The reward for me is helping them find hope and healing, often through the love of Jesus.” 

Cheatwood’s compassionate approach is informed by his upbringing in a Christian home and his education at Cedarville University. His time at Cedarville not only deepened his understanding of the Bible but taught him how to study scripture in context — something he uses daily when offering comfort to others. 

The chaplaincy is a collateral duty for Cheatwood, but it has profoundly shaped his career. In 2017, he became the national chaplain for the Border Patrol, overseeing the entire chaplaincy program. From rewriting the curriculum to supporting families of fallen agents during Police Week, Cheatwood’s influence extends far and wide. 

One of the most emotional aspects of the role is sitting with families after the loss of an agent. “Funerals are draining, but they’re also a privilege,” shared Cheatwood. “You’re helping people navigate the hardest time of their lives, planning the funeral and ensuring their needs are met.” 

While the work is rewarding, it can also be exhausting. “Burnout is a challenge,” Cheatwood admitted. “You’re doing your job during the day and then sitting with a grieving family at night. But it’s fulfilling to see people find healing and strength.” 

Cheatwood’s role as a chaplain does not extend to detainees, but his faith often opens doors for personal connections. 

"Sometimes, migrants I’ve apprehended will hear my Christian music or see how I treat them and open up about their faith,” said Cheatwood. “I’ve had conversations about their journeys and even encouraged some to consider how God might be calling them to serve in their own communities.” 

Even in challenging situations, Cheatwood believes in treating everyone with respect. “We’re called to love people, even when they’re crossing illegally. That doesn’t mean we ignore the law, but we can still treat them with kindness and dignity.” 

On the border, Cheatwood balances the demands of leadership with the call to care for those around him. Whether it’s managing operations, comforting a grieving family, or encouraging a fellow agent, Cheatwood’s story is one of faith in action — a reminder that even in the hardest jobs, compassion and purpose can shine through. 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.