Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to significantly enhance outbound inspection capabilities at the international land border between the United States and Mexico. It authorizes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to acquire up to 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure, specifically for inspecting persons and conveyances traveling from the United States to Mexico. This authorization for new equipment will cease five years after the bill's enactment. The bill also directs the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hire, train, and assign at least 200 new Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents . These agents will primarily focus on combating the southbound smuggling of currency, firearms, contraband, and human trafficking, as well as investigating drug smuggling and unauthorized entry from Mexico. A key provision establishes a minimum mandatory southbound inspection requirement , stipulating that by March 30, 2027, at least 10 percent of all conveyances and modes of transportation traveling from the United States to Mexico must be inspected. These inspections may include non-intrusive imaging, physical checks, or canine units. Finally, the legislation mandates several reports to Congress, including an annual report on inspection resources and operational cadence, and a future assessment of increasing southbound inspection rates to 15 and 20 percent. Quarterly reports on currency, firearms, and ammunition seizures from outbound inspections are also required for four years, providing ongoing data on enforcement efforts.
Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
USA119th CongressS-1138| Senate
| Updated: 3/26/2025
This legislation aims to significantly enhance outbound inspection capabilities at the international land border between the United States and Mexico. It authorizes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to acquire up to 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure, specifically for inspecting persons and conveyances traveling from the United States to Mexico. This authorization for new equipment will cease five years after the bill's enactment. The bill also directs the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hire, train, and assign at least 200 new Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents . These agents will primarily focus on combating the southbound smuggling of currency, firearms, contraband, and human trafficking, as well as investigating drug smuggling and unauthorized entry from Mexico. A key provision establishes a minimum mandatory southbound inspection requirement , stipulating that by March 30, 2027, at least 10 percent of all conveyances and modes of transportation traveling from the United States to Mexico must be inspected. These inspections may include non-intrusive imaging, physical checks, or canine units. Finally, the legislation mandates several reports to Congress, including an annual report on inspection resources and operational cadence, and a future assessment of increasing southbound inspection rates to 15 and 20 percent. Quarterly reports on currency, firearms, and ammunition seizures from outbound inspections are also required for four years, providing ongoing data on enforcement efforts.