Cross Border Aerial Law Enforcement Operations Act

This legislation, titled the "Cross Border Aerial Law Enforcement Operations Act," authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an integrated cross-border aerial law enforcement program with the Government of Canada. This program, which may be modeled after a 2009 maritime agreement, would be contingent upon a bilateral agreement between the two nations. The program would involve law enforcement officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, other federal agencies, and appropriate Canadian agencies. Its jurisdiction would generally be limited to 50 miles on either side of the international border, with exceptions for operational necessities or exigent circumstances. Crucially, the program mandates strong protections for the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy of all individuals, requiring specific provisions in the bilateral agreement and training for participating officers. The Secretary of Homeland Security must notify Congress upon signing the bilateral agreement and implementing the program, and if the program is not established within two years, a report detailing the obstacles and recommendations is required. Furthermore, the bill directs the Secretary to submit a report within one year on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) along the northern border, covering issues like interagency coordination, use by malign actors, and potential civil rights risks. No additional funds are authorized for the purpose of carrying out this Act.