119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 4472
The Stop COYOTES Act increases criminal penalties for offenses targeting children and traffickers who operate near schools and youth facilities. Specifically, it adds up to 10 additional years of consecutive prison time for anyone convicted of child-related crimes (including trafficking, kidnapping, and sexual offenses) committed within 1,000 feet of schools, colleges, playgrounds, youth centers, or public parks. The bill also significantly increases financial penalties for drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl, with maximum fines rising to as high as $112.5 million for certain violations. Additionally, the legislation 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 near the southern border regarding human smuggling, trafficking, drug trafficking, and organized crime activities, with detailed reports to Congress every 180 days. The bill targets criminal organizations and smugglers (colloquially known as "coyotes") involved in human trafficking and other border-related crimes.