Steven Seagal to Work in Border Patrol

Action film star Steven Seagal was sworn in last week as a deputy with the sheriff's office in Hudspeth County, Texas, where he will help patrol the U.S.-Mexico border. Hudspeth County runs along the Rio Grande east of El Paso.

According to Reuters, the Above the Law actor, 59, contacted County Sheriff Arvin West telling him he is interested in patrolling the border, West said. Seagal currently stars in an A&E Network reality show that details his experiences as a reserve deputy in New Orleans.

Seagal's work as a reserve deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana appears in the TV show Steven Seagal: Lawman. His work with Hudspeth County's department doesn't seem as if it will be filmed.

Mr. Seagal is not in this for the celebrity or publicity, West told Reuters. He has a sincere passion for his country and he wants to do more to help. I think he will make a significant contribution to this office and to our community.

Two members of the department traveled to Los Angeles to talk with Seagal about his proposal and to make sure he was serious, Rusty Fleming, a spokesman for the sheriff, told Reuters.

We were very quick to find out that he was not doing this for publicity, Fleming said. He wants to come down to the border and work and try to do his part.

Hudspeth County has a population of 3,400 and is plagued illegal immigration and drug gangs.

He understands this issue that we have down here on the border, Fleming told Reuters of Seagal. His help with his training and what he can help show our deputies and what he can show us here, I think he'll make a tremendous contribution.

Seagal is expected to start working in January.