CARTEL Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 6, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to increase transparency regarding border security operations and enhance congressional oversight of threats posed by terrorist and criminal organizations at U.S. borders.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the CARTEL Act of 2025, mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) publicly publish detailed monthly operational statistics on border encounters, including data on individuals in the terrorist screening database and those affiliated with transnational criminal organizations. It also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit an annual assessment to Congress on foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations attempting to enter the United States through any border.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation is vital for national security and public transparency, providing crucial data to inform policymakers and the public about the challenges at the border, particularly concerning individuals on watchlists and those associated with dangerous criminal organizations. They contend it will lead to more informed decision-making and accountability for border management.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that while transparency is valuable, the extensive data reporting could impose significant administrative burdens on CBP, potentially diverting resources from operational duties. They may also argue that raw, granular data could be misinterpreted or politicized without sufficient context, potentially hindering rather than helping constructive policy discussions.
The bill text is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2
Monthly Publication of CBP Operational Statistics
This provision mandates that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) publish detailed monthly statistics on a publicly available Department of Homeland Security website. The required data includes total alien encounters and nationalities, unique alien encounters, gang-affiliated apprehensions, drug seizures, alien encounters included in the terrorist screening database, arrests of criminal aliens, known 'got aways,' encounters with deceased aliens, and individuals affiliated with transnational criminal organizations. It specifically requires reporting on individuals in the terrorist screening database and those affiliated with transnational criminal organizations who repeatedly attempted unlawful crossings or were apprehended, noting their release or removal status.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision significantly enhances transparency and accountability in border management, providing the public and Congress with critical, timely data. They contend that this detailed information is essential for understanding the scope of border challenges, particularly concerning national security threats and criminal activity, thereby enabling more effective policy responses.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while transparency is important, the extensive and granular nature of the required data could lead to misinterpretation or selective use for political purposes without adequate context. They may also raise concerns about the significant administrative burden on CBP, potentially diverting resources from frontline security operations to data compilation and reporting.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the public's and Congress's demand for transparency and detailed information on border security against the potential for increased administrative burden on CBP and the risk of data misinterpretation without proper context or expert analysis.
Section 3
Annual Report to Congress on Foreign Terrorist and Transnational Criminal Organizations
This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit an annual assessment to specific committees in the House and Senate. This assessment must detail the efforts of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) to move their members or affiliates into the United States through the southern, northern, or maritime borders. The bill defines 'foreign terrorist organization' by reference to existing immigration law.