Amid record drop in border crossings bipartisan senators introduce border tech bill

In a groundbreaking bipartisan effort, Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy have come together to introduce the “Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act,” a measure aimed at enhancing law enforcement’s ability to combat human and drug trafficking at the border.

The bill, which is set to make innovation teams at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) permanent, comes at a crucial time when border security is a pressing issue. The innovation teams, initially established in 2018, have been instrumental in adapting commercial technologies to assist in border security operations and urgent mission needs.

Under the proposed legislation, the CBP commissioner would be authorized to maintain one or more innovation teams to continually research and implement cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress assessing the performance parameters and security impacts of potential technologies.

Both Cortez Masto and Cassidy emphasized the importance of investing in border security technology to strengthen CBP’s detection and response capabilities in combating trafficking and illicit border crossings. They believe that leveraging new technologies is key to securing the border and preventing harmful substances like fentanyl from flowing into the country.

Cortez Masto, who has a history of cracking down on cross-border crime, has been a strong advocate for combating drug trafficking and online drug sales. She has worked closely with Republicans and Mexican officials to address the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, a similar version of the “Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act” has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Lou Correa and Rep. Morgan Luttrell. This bipartisan effort underscores the importance of enhancing border security through technological advancements.

Recent data from CBP shows a significant decrease in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border under President Donald Trump’s administration. This decline in illegal crossings highlights the effectiveness of enhanced border security measures and underscores the need for continued investment in innovative technologies.

Overall, the “Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act” represents a significant step towards bolstering border security and combatting criminal activities at the border. With bipartisan support and a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies, this legislation has the potential to enhance law enforcement’s ability to safeguard the border and protect communities from illicit activities.