Subterranean Border Defense Act

3/12/2025, 8:05 AM

Subterranean Border Defense Act

This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently, CBP is only required to report once no later than one year after the plan's development. 

Bill 119 HR 495, also known as the "Counter Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Enhancement Act," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to require annual reports on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.

The bill aims to enhance efforts to combat the use of tunnels for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, along the US-Mexico border. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of illicit cross-border tunnels discovered, the methods used to detect and dismantle these tunnels, and any challenges or obstacles faced in these operations.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for improving coordination and information sharing among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. It also calls for the development of best practices and training programs to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. Overall, Bill 119 HR 495 seeks to strengthen the government's ability to detect, dismantle, and prevent the use of illicit cross-border tunnels, ultimately enhancing border security and protecting the safety and security of the American people.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 495

Introduced on
2025-01-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/16/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Subterranean Border Defense Act

This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently, CBP is only required to report once no later than one year after the plan's development. 

Bill 119 HR 495, also known as the "Counter Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Enhancement Act," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to require annual reports on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.

The bill aims to enhance efforts to combat the use of tunnels for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, along the US-Mexico border. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of illicit cross-border tunnels discovered, the methods used to detect and dismantle these tunnels, and any challenges or obstacles faced in these operations.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for improving coordination and information sharing among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. It also calls for the development of best practices and training programs to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. Overall, Bill 119 HR 495 seeks to strengthen the government's ability to detect, dismantle, and prevent the use of illicit cross-border tunnels, ultimately enhancing border security and protecting the safety and security of the American people.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require annual reports on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Immigration

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/5/2025

Subterranean Border Defense Act

This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently...


Latest Action3/10/2025
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.