July 12, 2023

RANKING MEMBER CORREA, CHAIRMAN HIGGINS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO COMBAT CARTEL TRAFFICKING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Clay Higgins (R-LA), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement respectively, announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to enhance border security and combat human trafficking.

The Cooperation on Combating Human Smuggling and Trafficking Act directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance border security by expanding bilateral cooperation with Mexican, Central American, and South American law enforcement to identify and disrupt human smuggling and human trafficking operations.

“This legislation represents a real, bipartisan effort to address the factors that drive migration rather than just focusing on the symptoms of the problem,” said Ranking Member Correa. “By expanding American partnership with our southern neighbors to combat human trafficking, and supporting their efforts to investigate and prosecute human smugglers and traffickers targeting children and families, we will make meaningful strides towards disrupting human trafficking operations at their roots and keeping our nation’s border safe, secure, and humane.”

“Human trafficking is evil, and everyone who participates in it is doomed to face judgment in the eyes of God,” said Chairman Higgins. “Criminal cartels make billions by trafficking in human misery. This legislation will help enhance American partnership with selected law enforcement agencies in Mexico, Central America and South America. This legislation is a strategic maneuver in our war against the cartels.”

Specifically, The Cooperation on Combating Human Smuggling and Trafficking Act would require: 

  • The establishment or expansion of cross-border transnational criminal investigative units to identify, disrupt, and support the prosecution of human smuggling and trafficking operations.
  • Enhanced participation in the Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative or a successor initiative.
  • Advanced training for certain investigators and prosecutors from Mexico and such countries.

This bill's introduction comes ahead of today’s scheduled House Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement hearing to examine the role of Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in trafficking illicit fentanyl into the United States.

You can read the full text of the bill HERE.

###