Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act
The act enforces a mandatory inspection standard, requiring that at least 10 percent of all outgoing conveyances be inspected by a specified date. Additionally, it establishes a report system aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of these increased security measures and sets future inspection goals, thereby impacting operational protocols within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The increase in inspections is intended to bolster national security by minimizing the potential for smuggling activities at the border.
SB1138, titled the 'Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act', focuses on augmenting the capabilities of the Secretary of Homeland Security concerning outbound inspections at the southern land border of the United States. The bill aims to enhance inspection measures for individuals and conveyances traveling from the U.S. to Mexico, addressing issues related to smuggling of illegal items such as firearms and currency and aims to assist in countering organized crime activities in the region. The act allows for the procurement of additional non-intrusive imaging systems and the hiring of special agents for investigative purposes.
One notable point of contention surrounding SB1138 is the balance between enhanced security measures at the border and the potential implications for cross-border commerce. Critics may argue that increased scrutiny at border checkpoints could lead to delays that adversely affect trade relations, impacting economic productivity along the border. Additionally, there are concerns over privacy implications regarding the deployment of new technologies for inspections and how these measures will be implemented without infringing upon civil liberties.