The Border Patrol Wants to Buy American

In 2007 the Border Patrol ditched its old straight-legged uniform in favor of more modern, and utilitarian, cargo pants with nylon belts. The shirt, however, wasn’t an improvement. “It doesn’t breathe, it’s too hot, it’s uncomfortable, and it chafes,” says border agent Alberto Trevino. Oh, one more thing: It’s made overseas.

The Border Patrol’s trademark green uniform is made by VF, the Greensboro, N.C., company that owns retail brands like North Face, Timberland, and Vans. The company is a leading supplier of government uniforms through its VF Imagewear division. About half are manufactured outside the U.S., including in El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. In 2014, VF Imagewear won a $400 million contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Border Patrol.