Bill · S. 1138· Senate(119-S-1138)
Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2025
- Last activity
- 3/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Maggie Hassan
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act" focuses on increasing inspections of people and vehicles traveling from the United States to Mexico. It authorizes the purchase of up to 50 non-intrusive imaging systems and other necessary equipment. The bill requires the hiring of at least 200 new Homeland Security Investigations special agents to target smuggling and trafficking. Additionally, it sets a goal for the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure at least 10 percent of southbound conveyances are inspected by March 30, 2027. The act also mandates several reports to Congress regarding resources, inspection rates, and seizures of currency and firearms.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this tighten control of the border?+8
The bill significantly enhances southbound inspection capabilities and personnel to combat cartels.
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+5
The bill specifically targets the smuggling of firearms from the U.S. to Mexico.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
Increases the operational capabilities and mandate of federal agencies (DHS, CBP, HSI) at the border.
The opposite· 3 of 12
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-6
Increases the frequency of non-intrusive imaging and physical searches of individuals and their property.
Would gun owners be better off under this?-4
The bill specifically targets and increases the seizure of firearms at the southbound border.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?-4
The use of imaging systems and physical inspections of persons and conveyances impacts personal privacy.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Combatting Smuggling and Trafficking: The bill requires the hiring of at least 200 new HSI special agents to investigate the smuggling of currency, firearms, contraband, drugs, and human trafficking, including the trafficking of children (Section 4(a)).
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Increased Border Security: By authorizing up to 50 additional imaging systems and other inspection equipment, the bill enhances the ability to inspect those leaving the U.S. for Mexico (Section 3(a) and (c)).
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Accountability and Oversight: The bill requires regular reports to Congress on seizure totals for currency and firearms, as well as reports on the operational cadence and resources used for inspections (Section 5(a) and Section 7(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Travel Delays: The requirement to inspect at least 10 percent of all conveyances traveling from the U.S. to Mexico may create burdens or delays for people crossing the southern land border (Section 6(a)).
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Privacy Concerns: The use of non-intrusive imaging and physical inspections of persons and conveyances traveling southbound increases the frequency of government searches (Section 3(b) and Section 6(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+8Improves Gun Control Measures+5Improves Second Amendment Protections-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4Good For Gun Owners-4Good For Business Owners-2Good For Farmers-2Good For Hispanic Americans-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+4Improves International Alliances+3Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2Improves International Trade-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy-4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Privacy Rights-6Improves Interstate Commerce-2
- 9/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jon HustedRepublican · Ohio
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma