The National Border Patrol Council has endorsed North Carolina GOP Sen. nominee Michael Whatley, his campaign announced Monday. 

Council President Paul Perez announced the endorsement in a series of recent events across North Carolina and said in a statement that Whatley "has proven that he is going to be a strong supporter of securing our border and ensuring our men and women on the frontlines have the support they need to do their job."

The labor union represents roughly 18,000 Border Patrol agents and the support personnel assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol. It has endorsed some Democratic candidates in the past. 

"A nation without borders ceases to be a nation at all. Which is why I am proud to have their support and will always work to ensure our nation has a strong and secure border," Whatley said in a statement accepting the endorsement.