S.Amdt. 6567

The amendment, titled the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act, aims to add a new subtitle to bill S. 4784. Its purpose is to increase the ability of the United States to inspect people and transportation moving across land borders, specifically focusing on those traveling from the United States to Mexico and Canada.

Key changes and additions include:

• Equipment and Infrastructure: It authorizes the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to buy up to 25 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and related infrastructure for use at land borders. It also allows for the procurement of alternative inspection equipment.

• Personnel: It requires the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hire, train, and assign at least 50 new special agents to investigate the smuggling of firearms and currency from the U.S. to Mexico, and another 50 agents to investigate contraband, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and unauthorized entry from Mexico.

• Inspection Requirements: By March 30, 2030, the Secretary of Homeland Security must ensure that at least 10 percent of all transportation moving from the U.S. to Mexico is inspected.

• Accountability and Reporting:

  • The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a report within one year on resources, budget, and inspection operational cadence.
  • A quarterly report must be submitted regarding the seizure of ammunition, firearms, and currency being trafficked out of the U.S.
  • The Comptroller General must study and report on how many additional imaging systems and agents are actually needed.

• Funding and Time Limits: The amendment states that no new funds are authorized to be appropriated for the equipment and personnel sections. The authority to procure imaging systems and alternative equipment expires 3 years after the Act is enacted.