Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act

Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act

This bill requires and authorizes actions related to the inspection of pedestrians and vehicles crossing the border from the United States to Mexico.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must, to the extent practicable, ensure that 20% of such outbound vehicles are inspected. DHS may use various means to meet this requirement, including nonintrusive imaging.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must hire at least 500 new officers to inspect pedestrians and vehicles crossing the border to Mexico. The CBP may also hire support staff and purchase equipment to assist with such inspections.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must hire at least 100 new Homeland Security Investigations special agents to investigate the smuggling of currency and firearms from the United States to Mexico. ICE may also hire support staff to support these special agents.

The bill also requires reports to Congress on various issues addressed in this bill, including quarterly reports on currency, firearms, and ammunition seized from outbound inspections along the southern border.

Bill 118 s 1897, also known as the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act, aims to strengthen border security measures in order to combat drug cartels and other criminal organizations operating along the US-Mexico border. The bill specifically focuses on enhancing inspections of vehicles and individuals traveling southbound into Mexico.

The legislation proposes increasing resources and funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve their ability to detect and prevent the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods across the border. This includes investing in advanced technology, such as scanners and surveillance equipment, to enhance the effectiveness of inspections.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased collaboration and coordination between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies to better target and disrupt cartel operations. This includes sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating efforts to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities. Overall, the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act seeks to strengthen border security measures in order to protect communities on both sides of the border from the harmful effects of drug trafficking and other criminal activities. By enhancing inspections and increasing collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the bill aims to disrupt cartel operations and improve overall border security.