S.Amdt. 6440

This amendment, known as the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act, aims to add a new subtitle to bill S. 4784 to increase the inspection of people and transportation moving across United States land borders.

The amendment proposes the following changes and additions:

• Equipment and Infrastructure: It authorizes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to use previously appropriated funds to buy up to 25 additional non-intrusive imaging systems, supporting infrastructure, or alternative inspection equipment. These will be used for inspections traveling between the United States and Mexico or Canada. This authority expires 3 years after the Act is enacted.

• Personnel: It requires the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use previously appropriated funds to hire, train, and assign:

  • At least 50 new Homeland Security Investigations special agents to focus on smuggling currency and firearms from the United States to Mexico.
  • At least 50 new Homeland Security Investigations special agents to assist with drug smuggling, human trafficking and smuggling (including children), contraband, and unauthorized entry from Mexico into the United States.
  • Necessary additional support staff for these agents.

• Inspection Requirements: By March 30, 2030, the Secretary of Homeland Security must ensure that, to the extent practicable, at least 10 percent of all conveyances and transportation moving from the United States to Mexico are inspected. These inspections must comply with the Fourth Amendment.

• Accountability and Reporting:

  • The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a report within one year identifying resources, budgets, operational cadence, and an assessment of the Government of Mexico's capability to stop illicit weapons and currency flow.
  • A follow-up report is required by March 30, 2031, regarding the timeline and resources needed to increase inspection rates to 15 and 20 percent.
  • The Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection must provide quarterly reports for three years on the seizure of currency, firearms, and ammunition being trafficked out of the United States.
  • The Comptroller General of the United States must study and report on the number of imaging systems and agents needed to investigate smuggling and inspect border transportation.