Build up Illegal Line Defenses with Assets Lawfully Lifted Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would allocate funds derived from Mexican cartels to construction and maintenance of physical barriers at the border, which proponents argue would substantially improve national security. It entails an annual reporting requirement for the Attorney General on the funds available from such seizures, aiming to optimize their use for border security purposes. The ongoing study mandated by the bill is also expected to identify further avenues for increasing such fund revenues, further influencing how enforcement strategies may evolve in the future.
Summary
House Bill 776, referred to as the 'Build up Illegal Line Defenses with Assets Lawfully Lifted Act of 2023', aims to amend section 524(c) of title 18, United States Code, focusing on the use of lawfully forfeited drug seizures to enhance border security. The bill proposes that a portion of the funds from drug forfeitures should be set aside specifically for building physical barriers and implementing advanced technology along the southern border to prevent illegal entry into the United States. This bill is part of ongoing efforts to bolster border security amidst rising concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Contention
The bill is likely to face contention, particularly from advocates concerned about the scope and implications of enhanced border security measures. Critics may argue that focusing on physical barriers does not address the root causes of illegal immigration and could lead to increased militarization of the border. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the ethical implications surrounding the forfeiture and allocation of assets, particularly emphasizing the necessity for safeguards to ensure that forfeited properties are not exploited at the expense of community and civil rights.
Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.