Bill · H.R. 4472· House(119-HR-4472)
Stop COYOTES Act
- Introduced
- 7/16/2025
- Last activity
- 7/17/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Sponsored by
- Gabe Vasquez
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Stop COYOTES Act" aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to increase punishments for specific crimes. It increases prison time for felony offenses involving minors committed near schools, playgrounds, or certain public facilities. The bill also increases fine amounts for certain violations involving fentanyl. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to facilitate information sharing between federal agencies and specific state and local law enforcement. Finally, it mandates periodic reports to Congress regarding various smuggling and trafficking activities.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this tighten control of the border?+6
Enhances information sharing between federal and local law enforcement regarding border-related activities.
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+5
Increases penalties for fentanyl violations which may act as a deterrent against drug trafficking.
Would children be better off under this?+4
Increases criminal penalties for offenses committed near schools and playgrounds to protect children.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-4
Increases scrutiny and law enforcement coordination regarding undocumented entry and smuggling.
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-3
Increases criminal penalties and prison time for offenses involving minors and drug trafficking.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-2
Mandates consecutive sentencing which increases the severity of criminal punishments.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Punishment for Crimes Near Children: Under Section 2, individuals committing certain felony offenses involving a minor within 1,000 feet of schools or housing facilities, or within 100 feet of certain public recreation areas, can face up to 10 years of additional imprisonment. This sentence is meant to be consecutive to existing sentences.
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Higher Fines for Fentanyl Violations: Section 3 increases the fine amounts for violations involving specific substances described in the Controlled Substances Act.
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Enhanced Information Sharing: Section 4 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that information regarding unlawful entries, trafficking, smuggling of substances or firearms, and criminal organization activity is shared between federal departments and specific law enforcement agencies.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Penalties for Felony Offenses: According to Section 2, individuals convicted of specific felony offenses involving a minor near certain locations may face a prison term of up to 10 years that must be served in addition to their original sentence.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4Good For Students+3Good For Immigrants-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2Improves Due Process-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+6Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-3
- 10/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/17/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- 7/16/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Josh HarderDemocrat · California
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan