S.Amdt. 2933

The amendment, titled the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act, aims to add a new section to bill S. 2296 to increase the inspection of people and transportation moving from the United States to Mexico.

The amendment proposes the following changes and additions:

• Equipment and Infrastructure: It authorizes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to buy up to 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure, or alternative inspection equipment, for use at the southern border. These authorizations expire 5 years after the Act is enacted.

• Personnel: It requires the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hire and train at least 100 new special agents to investigate the smuggling of currency and firearms to Mexico, and at least 100 more agents to investigate drug smuggling, human trafficking and smuggling (including children), contraband, and unauthorized entry into the U.S. from Mexico. It also allows for necessary support staff.

• Inspection Requirements: By March 30, 2027, the Secretary of Homeland Security must ensure that at least 10 percent of all transportation traveling from the U.S. to Mexico is inspected. This can be done via canine units, physical inspections, non-intrusive imaging, or other authorized means.

• Reporting and Accountability:

• The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a report within one year detailing resources, budgets, operational cadence of inspections, plans for alternative inspection sites, and an assessment of the Mexican Government's ability to stop the flow of currency and weapons.

• The Secretary must submit a report by March 30, 2028, regarding the resources needed to increase inspection rates to 15 and 20 percent.

• The Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection must provide reports every 90 days for four years detailing the amount of currency, firearms, and ammunition seized during outbound inspections.