US Border Patrol agents are raising money by selling coins that commemorate last year’s wave of immigration enforcement “operations” across the country, along with other merchandise. The funds belong to non-profit organizations that have listed Border Patrol properties as their address in IRS paperwork. At least two organizations have volunteered US Customs and Border Protection email address.
The front of one of the coins being sold reads, “NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025,” along with the acronym US Border Patrol and the acronym “fuck around and find out”—words that were once popularized by the far-right group Proud Boys and have been used by various Trump officials. In the center, the coin shows a gas mask, a riot control grenade and a pepper ball launcher. On the other side, the coin appears to have a portrait of a retired Border Patrol commander, Gregory Bovinowith his hand raised in greeting, along with the text “COMING TO THE CITY NEAR YOU!” It lists seven cities, most of which saw an increase in government enforcement in 2025: Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Phoenix, Portland, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
The coin is being sold by Willcox Morale Welfare and Recreation, a nonprofit organization that the IRS recently announced. tax exemption during the Biden administration and whose address on IRS paperwork matches the Willcox Border Patrol Station in Arizona. A request for comment sent to Willcox MWR’s CBP specific email address was not answered.
Employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of the Border Patrol, are allowed to form private, nonprofit unions within DHS, as long as they are officially recognized by the agency and follow certain rules. According to DHS policiesofficially recognized groups can raise money using government property and create products using the organization’s name and logos–but they must receive prior approval from the agency.
Willcox MWR is just one of several groups across the country that serve Border Patrol agents and refer to themselves as MWRs, a reference to the US military’s “morale, welfare and recreation” programs. The groups often throw holiday events and retirement parties, and sometimes raise money for the families of agents who are going through hard times, including those who are not being paid during the current shutdown.
Following the publication of this story, CBP spokesperson Hilton Beckham told WIRED that Willcox MWR and the other nonprofits identified in our story existed under previous administrations and “have received approval to conduct limited commercial activities on property occupied by CBP.” Beckham said the agency is in the process of updating its policies and procedures related to MWRs.
Many MWRs also sell special medals known as “challenge coins” that commemorate special teams or events. Although anyone, including CBP graduates, can design and sell coins, current DHS employees are not required to use government resources to sell those that use the agency’s stamps or logos without permission, or those that the agency deems inappropriate or unprofessional.
Beckham, a CBP spokesman, said, “CBP takes its branding and identification policies seriously.” Beckham did not say whether the agency’s Printing and Branding Review Board, which is in charge of approving branded products, will design the “North American Tour” coin.
Under Willcox MWR’s Facebook post about the “North American Tour” coin, a person named Juan Diego commented, “Sign up for SDC BK5 MWR for 10.”
“Give us an email,” the Willcox MWR account manager replied, offering what appeared to be an offer cbp.dhs.gov email to the group.
SDC BK5 MWR, also a registered nonprofit, lists an address on its website corresponding to a state center in Chula Vista, California. It says on its website that it was founded by Border Patrol agents in San Diego and sells a special product “designed to raise money for charitable and charitable efforts.”
