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Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act

USA119th CongressS-1138| Senate 
| Updated: 3/26/2025
Margaret Wood Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
James Lankford (Republican)

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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1897
Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
Mar 26, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 26, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Dec 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-6907
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1897
    Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act


  • March 26, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 26, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


  • December 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-6907
    Introduced in House

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-6907: Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act

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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1897
Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
Mar 26, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 26, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Dec 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-6907
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1897
    Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act


  • March 26, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 26, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


  • December 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-6907
    Introduced in House
Margaret Wood Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
James Lankford (Republican)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HR 119-6907: Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted