The Stop COYOTES Act increases federal penalties for certain crimes involving children and strengthens information sharing about border security threats. The bill adds a new crime provision that imposes up to 10 additional years of prison time for anyone convicted of serious felonies involving minors—such as human trafficking, child exploitation, or kidnapping—when committed near schools, youth centers, parks, playgrounds, or public housing. The measure requires the Department of Homeland Security to share information collected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with state and local law enforcement agencies in border regions, focusing on illegal border crossings, human trafficking, alien smuggling, drug and firearms trafficking, and gang involvement in these activities. Additionally, Homeland Security must report to Congress every 180 days on the information gathered during the previous period. The bill was introduced in November 2023 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security for consideration.
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