Security First ActThis bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2025 through FY2028 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.)From FY2025 through FY2028, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden.DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2024, and (2) whether certain criminal gangs and Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.
Impact
The bill proposes the establishment of a trust fund designated for Operation Stonegarden, which is intended to bolster resources for state and local law enforcement in their efforts to secure the U.S. borders. It authorizes substantial appropriations aimed at procuring advanced technology and equipment to enhance surveillance and operational capabilities along the Southwest border. The anticipated outcome is to facilitate a more coordinated and efficient law enforcement response to border security challenges, thereby improving safety for both agents and the public.
Summary
House Bill 506, titled the 'Security First Act', aims to enhance national security measures related to border control by mandating assessments for designations of foreign terrorist organizations, specifically targeting Mexican drug cartels and criminal gangs. This legislation is driven by concerns surrounding increased encounters with undocumented individuals at the U.S.-Mexico border and the associated threat of terrorism. It underscores the necessity for effective strategies to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling, drawing attention to the opioid crisis in the country as a significant element of discourse.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB506 is the proposed designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This move could significantly affect the political and operational landscape in U.S.-Mexico relations, intensifying the focus on combating organized crime and terrorism. However, critics argue that this approach could impact diplomatic ties and may lead to repercussions for local communities, including the risk of increased militarization of border areas and the potential for civil rights violations.
Security First Act This bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2024 through FY2027 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.) From FY2024 through FY2027, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden. DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2021, and (2) whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.
Secure America's Borders First Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to provide certain military assistance to Ukraine until a border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border is completed and operation control of such border is achieved. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to funds made available to the Department of Defense and funds made available for security assistance or security cooperation.
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to exclude certain propane storage facilities from certain chemical security standards under the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Illicit Arms Trafficking Security Enforcement Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a new unit—a Border Enforcement Security Task Force unit—to investigate transnational criminal organization arms smuggling across the international border between the United States and Mexico. The purposes of the new unit include, among other things, reducing arms smuggling from the United States to Mexico.
Security First Act This bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2024 through FY2027 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.) From FY2024 through FY2027, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden. DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2021, and (2) whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.