To bolster Department of Homeland Security efforts to combat cross-border threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, and for other purposes.
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Committee
Latest Action · August 1, 2023
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a specialized joint task force within 180 days to combat transnational criminal organizations operating along U.S. land borders, with particular focus on groups that smuggle or traffic people (especially children and families) and those involved in fentanyl trafficking. The legislation also requires DHS to create an integrated intelligence cell within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track and manage migrant surges and identify criminal smuggling networks, and to develop a comprehensive screening strategy for vehicles and cargo at land ports of entry by one year after enactment. Additionally, the bill mandates that DHS expand law enforcement partnerships with Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, and other countries to combat transnational smuggling and trafficking, while strengthening intelligence sharing among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies involved in fentanyl interdiction. The task force must submit quarterly reports to Congress on its activities and establish performance metrics to measure its effectiveness, with the Secretary of Homeland Security required to explain any decision to disband the task force to Congress at least 15 days in advance.
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