This bill, known as the "Security First Act," aims to bolster U.S. border security by authorizing significant funding for the Operation Stonegarden grant program. It allocates $110,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2028, with a portion specifically for procuring advanced technology and equipment. Furthermore, the bill establishes an Operation Stonegarden Trust Fund, which will be financed by monetary instruments seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S.-Mexico border, providing a dedicated funding source for the grant program.

A key provision requires the Secretary of State to submit a report within 60 days to Congress. This report must assess whether several named Mexican drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa Cartels, along with the criminal gang Tren De Aragua, meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This aims to address the significant influence these groups have on drug and human trafficking across the Southwest border.

To further enhance border capabilities, the bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive technology needs analysis for the Southwest border within one year. This analysis will identify technology gaps, assess recent advancements in surveillance, drone, and inspection technologies, and evaluate their potential to improve border security and operational control. Updates to this analysis, including plans for utilizing Department resources to meet identified needs, are required biannually for four years.

Finally, the legislation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report on the Department's hiring practices from 2018 to 2024. This report will include information on recruitment and provide recommendations for improving the operational capacity of the Department's workforce.