Texas Senate Bill SCR1

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Urging the federal government to immediately declare violent foreign drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Impact

Should this resolution be enacted, it would not create new laws but pressure the federal authorities to take a firmer stance against drug cartels. Acknowledging drug cartels as terrorist organizations would potentially enable a stronger federal law enforcement response and a reallocation of resources to address the border security crisis. The resolution also points out that the lack of federal resources has imposed an unfair burden on Texas, particularly affecting border communities that are directly dealing with the consequences of cartel violence, resulting in increased policing costs and resource allocation. Additionally, the presence of violent offenders in Texas prisons, many claiming foreign citizenship, exacerbates the challenges faced by state authorities.

Summary

SCR1 is a concurrent resolution from the Texas legislature that urges the federal government to designate violent foreign drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The resolution outlines the severe impact that these cartels have had on Texas communities, highlighting the increasing violence associated with drug trafficking and the resultant harm to local populations. It emphasizes that drug cartels facilitate an invasion of Texas and contribute to rampant crime, forcing individuals, including women and children, into human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The resolution cites alarming statistics, such as the seizure of over 172,000 pounds of illegal narcotics and a staggering 750 percent increase in fentanyl seizures in a single fiscal year.

Contention

There are significant discussions surrounding SCR1, particularly regarding the implications of labeling cartels as terrorist organizations. Supporters of the resolution argue that doing so would equip law enforcement with more tools to combat the threats posed by these groups. However, critics may contend that this move could escalate violence in a volatile region, potentially affecting innocent individuals and complicating ongoing law enforcement efforts. Furthermore, concerns could arise regarding the role of governmental and military authority in addressing these issues, as the resolution encourages Texas agencies to invoke their rights under the U.S. Constitution. This could provoke debates over the balance of power between state and federal authorities in matters of national security and law enforcement.