by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have encountered nearly 3 million individuals attempting to enter the country illegally each year since 2022. Many of those encounters have occurred along the southern border between the United States and Mexico, but the sharpest increase by percentage has been along the northern border.
The number of migrants apprehended, turned away, or expelled along the border between the United States and Canada has risen by 81% since 2022. Maine, a state known for its rugged terrain and sparse population, has seen an increase of nearly 14%.
A pair of Cedarville University alumni are serving their country on both borders.
Jodi (Quint) Williams, a 2000 graduate of Cedarville University, is leading the effort to ensure eastern Maine remains secure. Her college classmate, Jeremi Cheatwood, meanwhile, is diligently serving along the southern border at the El Centro sector in southern California, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Cheatwood, a deputy patrol agent in charge (DPAIC), oversees the operations of more than 280 agents across 37 miles of border. He also serves as a chaplain within the Border Patrol, giving guidance and shepherding agents and their families through life's toughest moments. He began his career with the Border Patrol in 2009 in Eagle Pass, Texas--a high-traffic area known for its challenging terrain. Williams was recently selected as patrol agent in charge (PAIC) of the Houlton Border Patrol Station. The Houlton Station’s area of responsibility covers 98 miles of international border with the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
"Being a native Mainer, I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the Houlton Station in the community I grew up in and have raised my family in," Williams said.
The journey to Williams’ promotion has taken her across the country, beginning with college in Cedarville, Ohio. Raised in a faith-filled home, Williams wanted to attend a Christian school and followed her sister to Cedarville, one of the top three Christian universities in the country as recognized by The Wall Street Journal.
“I was undecided about what to major in when I entered Cedarville, but I always assumed I would end up in law enforcement,” Williams said. “I ended up getting a degree in criminal justice, which was a great foundation for my career.”
“Cedarville University’s criminal justice program prepares students for careers in a wide variety of areas,” said Dr. Patrick Oliver, director of the criminal justice program. “Our diverse course material and practical education provide a solid foundation for anyone seeking a career in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and national security. The three professors in the program each had a full career in the field of criminal justice and therefore function as scholar-practitioners in the classroom which benefits our students.”
While at Cedarville, Williams also played several sports, including basketball and track. She was an outstanding athlete and represented the school at the 2000 NAIA national championships in the women’s javelin throw, an event for which she once held the school record.
“I remember Jodi as a hardworking, highly motivated person who really got along well with everyone,” said Paul Orchard, who still coaches at Cedarville. “She was a real joy to have on the team as a great athlete who inspired her teammates to reach their potential.”
Williams credits her experience as a student-athlete as a starting point for her success with the Border Patrol.
“With sports at Cedarville, I had to be very disciplined. I had to be good at multitasking to balance study, practice, games and travel,” Williams said. “I was fortunate to have that discipline and ability to work within a structured environment as I entered the academy and my job.”
Less than two months after graduation, Williams entered the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and was assigned her first post at the Naco Border Patrol Station (now known as the Brian A. Terry Station) near Tucson, Arizona. In Naco, Williams was a field training officer, a member of the ATV unit, and an ATV instructor.
Working on the southern border was a great experience for Williams. The high volume of encounters with migrants in Arizona, combined with her knowledge of Maine’s climate and topography, made her the perfect candidate for transfer to the northern border in 2007.
“In the north, we don’t have a wall — it’s just vast open spaces,” Williams said. “It’s a lot more difficult with the trees, vegetation, extreme cold, and places where you can travel 50 miles before hitting a main road. Working on the northern border requires a much different approach, partnering with other law enforcement agencies, and developing great relationships with the public.”
Williams was ready to meet the additional challenges the northern border presents, as she protects U.S. citizens from the illicit movement of weapons, drugs, contraband, and people while promoting lawful entry and exit, lawful trade, homeland security, economic prosperity, and national sovereignty.
Since 2007, Williams has served the Houlton Station in numerous roles, including supervisory border patrol agent, public affairs liaison, and special operations supervisor.
"Throughout her 24 years of experience within the organization, PAIC Williams has proven to be a compassionate leader and an accomplished field commander. I trust she will continue to build on her past successes at Houlton Station, and I look forward to seeing her leadership in supporting border security in Maine," said Houlton Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Keith Hoops.
Williams points to her faith as the motivating factor in her life, saying it allows her to serve others well in every area of her life.
“I am the same at home and at work,” Williams said. “My faith allows me to lead with compassion and empathy. I care about everyone who works here. They aren’t just employees; I have a vested interest in their lives.”
In her new position as PAIC, Williams will once again draw upon her background, faith, and experience as she leads a team of devoted agents in serving the people of the United States.
Cedarville University, a Baptist 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.