The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact current border enforcement protocols by requiring a strategic focus on firearms smuggling. It mandates enhanced information-sharing regarding firearms recovered from crime scenes, which could provide valuable data on sources and trafficking routes. Moreover, the bill aims to enrich partnerships with Mexican authorities, potentially leading to increased inspections and oversight at points of entry. The implementation of performance measures will allow for ongoing evaluation and adjustments of these border security efforts based on the effectiveness of disruption tactics against smugglers.
Summary
House Bill 6404, titled the 'Disarming Cartels Act', aims to enhance border security by specifically targeting the smuggling of firearms and related munitions from the United States into Mexico. The bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement enhanced security measures to disrupt such smuggling activities within 90 days of its enactment. This initiative includes increasing collaboration among various federal agencies to identify and dismantle criminal organizations involved in this illicit trade. By emphasizing inter-agency coordination, the bill seeks to create a unified approach to tackle cross-border firearms trafficking.
Contention
Notably, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding how these enhanced measures might affect the trade of legitimate goods and the rights of individuals involved in lawful commerce. Critics may argue that focusing heavily on firearms smuggling could lead to over-policing and may impact the flow of goods across the border. Supporters might counter that the increased scrutiny is necessary to combat the violent crime associated with the drug cartels, thereby framing the necessity of the bill around public safety concerns.
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report and implement a strategy to combat the use of social media by transnational criminal organizations to recruit individuals in the United States to support illicit activities in the United States or countries near a U.S. international border. DHS must also identify a designee within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to receive, process, and disseminate information about these social media recruitment activities. The information must be disseminated to federal, tribal, state, and local entities to support appropriate government functions, such as providing actionable intelligence to law enforcement.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Office of Homeland Security; transferring the Office of Homeland Security from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to the Department of Public Safety. Emergency.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
State government; creating the Targeted Violence Prevention Act; authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center to collect, analyze, and disseminate certain information to law enforcement and public safety agencies; codification; emergency.